Man Tries to Headbutt Corporal During Traffic Stop In Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 16, 2024, at around 8:53 PM, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Corporal was patrolling near Pulp Mill Road and Mullan Road. The corporal observed a white Nissan sedan pulled off to the side of the road, which appeared to be occupied by one male. The corporal ran the license plate and found it returned to 45-year-old Charles Bergeron. The license plate was supposed to be on a red Lincoln Navigator.  

The corporal followed the vehicle and observed it cross the bridge over the train tracks. At one point, the vehicle suddenly jerked to the left as it was very close to striking a barrier. The vehicle also got very close to crossing the center line, actually driving on top of the dashed line of the center of the roadway. Then the vehicle hit the center rumble strip and lightly corrected back to the right before immediately drifting back to the left, almost striking the center line once more.  

The corporal activated his emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. The corporal made contact with the driver and immediately noted Bergeron’s eyes appeared bloodshot and watery. The corporal informed Bergeron of the issue with the license plate and Bergeron stated the plate belonged to his other car, which was not currently running. Then the corporal observed a bong in the backseat on the passenger rear floorboard of the car, that he recognized to be commonly used for smoking marijuana.

Bergeron Admitted to Smoking Marijuana 

The corporal then asked about the bong in the backseat and if Bergeron had been smoking it. Bergeron replied, “Marijuana, yeah” while nodding his head up and down. The corporal asked how long ago and Bergeron stated, “I don’t know, like an hour and a half ago.” The corporal then asked Bergeron to step out of the vehicle to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. 

Once at the corporal’s patrol car, the corporal went to initiate a pat down of Bergeron and told him to put his hands behind his back. The corporal wanted to conduct a pat down because he was informed by dispatch that Bergeron was known to carry concealed weapons and had officer cautions. Bergeron tensed up his body and tried to pull his hands free. The corporal then had to exert more force to maintain control of Bergeron, but Bergeron responded by continuing to pull away. The corporal pushed Bergeron against his bumper to gain control and utilized his radio to call for backup. 

The corporal had told Bergeron to stop resisting several times, but Bergeron continued to resist and attempted to get his hands away. Eventually, Bergeron began to relax. The corporal then elected to put Bergeron in handcuffs, which Bergeron fought against by pulling his left arm.  

Once in handcuffs, Bergeron again began to escalate, pulling from side to side and yelling at the corporal. The corporal tried to place Bergeron in the back of his patrol car, but Bergeron violently kicked his legs and thrashed around. Other offices arrived and helped the corporal place Bergeron under arrest. 

Probation Requests a Search of the Vehicle 

The corporal learned Bergeron was on probation and made contact with the on-call probation officer. Probation requested the corporal search Bergeron’s vehicle. During the search, they located a tooter straw, a folded piece of tinfoil, and two fentanyl pills. 

Bergeron agreed to provide a blood sample. While en route to the hospital, Bergeron continued to call the corporal names and utilized vulgar language. Upon arrival at St. Patrick's Hospital, Bergeron continued to yell and scream from inside the patrol vehicle. As deputies were getting ready to remove Bergeron, Bergeron smacked his head on the side window of the patrol car.  

Hospital staff then advised that they wanted to keep Bergeron in the bay. The corporal opened the car door and when he told Bergeron to exit, Bergeron immediately charged toward him, nearly headbutting him. At this time, Bergeron was extremely aggressive and had to be restrained in a restraint chair. While attempting to place Bergeron in the chair, Bergeron continued to thrash around and attempted to break free, while attempting to headbutt the corporal several times. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Bergeron was then transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony attempted assault on a peace officer, felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, DUI first offense, and displaying a license plate assigned to another vehicle. His bond was set at $75,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.