Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 20th, 2024, a Missoula Police Department officer was patrolling the area of West Broadway and Nora St. when he observed a male, later identified as 37-year-old Tyler Larsen, riding an E-bike. The officer noticed the E-bike was newer and still had tags on it. Then the officer recognized the E-bike as a match for a suspected burglary from Big Sky Bikes earlier that day. 

The officer contacted Larsen, who said he was borrowing the E-bike from a friend. He went on to state that he believed the bike was probably stolen, but did not know for sure until he was stopped by the officer.  

During the investigation, Larsen began looking through a grocery-style plastic bag and the officer observed several pieces of small used tinfoil in the bag that he recognized to be drug paraphernalia. The officer asked for consent to search the bag, which Larsen granted. 

During the search, the officer found a tooter straw and prescription medication prescribed to another person. The officer walked Larsen to his patrol vehicle and told him he was under arrest. Larsen immediately tried to run away, but the officer grabbed his arm and, with the help of another officer, placed him under arrest. 

A search incident to arrest was conducted. Inside Larsen’s pocket, the officer found several blue Fentanyl pills. Inside Larsen’s wallet, the officer found three small baggies of methamphetamine. Larsen was then transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

During transport, the officer observed Larsen moving around and leaning in the patrol vehicle. At the jail, staff observed Larsen put something in his mouth and swallow it. Larsen admitted this was fentanyl.  

Jail staff also conducted a strip search of Larsen and located a small silver metal case containing multiple fentanyl pills in Larsen's rectum. According to court documents, Larsen admitted to placing the container in his rectum while in the patrol vehicle, which was confirmed by the officer upon reviewing his patrol vehicle’s video footage. 

Larsen is currently being charged with felony tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, two counts of felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing a peace officer. 

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

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