Missoula Man Headbutts Corporal During Felony DUI Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 22, 2023, at approximately 5:49 p.m., Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to a physical disturbance in the 8100 block of Pheasant Drive. Dispatch reported that a male suspect, identified as 31-year-old Vadim Skrebeyko, had struck a female, Jane Doe.  

When deputies arrived, it was discovered that Skrebeyko had fled the scene. Jane Doe informed deputies that Skrebeyko had left the residence approximately five minutes before law enforcement arrived and it was suspected that he went to his parent’s house a short distance away. 

Deputies Locate the Suspect

When deputies arrived, they located Skrebeyko’s truck in a driveway. Deputies observed that Skrebeyko was sitting in the driver’s seat of the truck. When deputies made contact with the Skrebeyko, it was readily apparent that he was slurring his words, a strong odor of alcoholic beverage was emanating from his person, and his speech was incoherent and nonsensical.  

A deputy told Skrebeyko to remove himself from the truck. Court documents indicate Skrebeyko generally complied but could not move very well, stumbling and swaying once he exited the truck. Then the deputy asked Skrebeyko to sit on his tailgate and Skrebeyko took quite a few moments just to figure out how to open the tailgate itself. 

While a deputy was trying to talk with Skrebeyko, another deputy radioed to them and advised that Skrebeyko needed to be placed under arrest for tampering with a communication device and partner family member assault against Jane Doe. In addition, a deputy also decided to conduct a DUI investigation.  

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Skrebeyko Begins to Resist Arrest

Skrebeyko refused to cooperate with the DUI investigation and refused to do any maneuvers. As a result, a corporal told Skrebeyko he was under arrest and grabbed his left arm while a deputy grabbed his right arm. Skrebeyko continuously pulled his arms away and physically resisted restraint. While deputies were attempting to gain control of Skrebeyko, the corporal told Skrebeyko several more times that he was under arrest and if he continued to resist, he would be forced to the ground.  

Skrebeyko continued to resist and attempt to pull away, so deputies forced Skrebeyko to the ground. Skrebeyko continued to resist but was eventually placed in handcuffs. After placing Skrebeyko in handcuffs, the corporal could see that Skrebeyko’s face was actively bleeding, likely from the resistance during apprehension. The corporal advised dispatch to inform Saint Patrick's Hospital that they would be bringing Skrebeyko in for an evaluation and medical clearance before being brought to the jail. 

A deputy and corporal attempted to place Skrebeyko in the back seat of the deputy’s patrol vehicle. Skrebeyko said he was not getting the car and said he was going to fight, which prompted several other deputies to respond to the area. Skrebeyko was given several orders to sit in the patrol car before he was eventually forced into the patrol car. Skrebeyko attempted to force his way out of the patrol car several times but was eventually transported to the hospital. 

Skrebeyko Continues to Resist at the Hospital

Upon arrival, Skrebeyko threatened staff and continually attempted to pull away from law enforcement during the evaluation. Medical staff attempted to check Skrebeyko’s vitals, but he continuously pulled away from them and verbally assaulted them.  

According to court documents, Skrebeyko was eventually placed in a hospital restraint chair and he resisted the entire time. Once a blood draw warrant was obtained, Skrebeyko continued to fight hospital staff, hospital security, and deputies to a degree that his behavior bent a handcuff key that was being used to remove his handcuffs for further restraint. 

While placing Skrebeyko in the restraint chair, he head-butted the corporal, which caused pain and a hematoma above the corporal’s right eye. Skrebeyko was eventually restrained, medically evaluated, and a blood draw was completed. Skrebeyko was then transported to the jail, placed in another restraint chair, and remanded to their custody.  

Skrebeyko's Criminal History

Upon review of Skrebeyko’s criminal history, it was confirmed that he has four previous convictions of DUI of alcohol or drugs. In addition, Skrebeyko has a pending PFMA case in Missoula County Justice Court. 

Skrebeyko is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace or judicial officer, felony DUI, misdemeanor PFMA second offense, criminal destruction of or tampering with a communication device, and resisting arrest. 

On April 24, 2023, Skrebeyko made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $250,000. 

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