Homeless Jaywalker Fights Missoula Police Officer

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 14, 2026, a Missoula Police Department Officer observed a male, later identified as 48-year-old Ian Hawley, crossing the roadway of West Broadway Street from the City Lodge to the Poverello Center. Hawley did not utilize a crosswalk, causing vehicles to slow and disrupting the flow of traffic. With Hawley knowingly disturbing the peace by rendering vehicular traffic impassable, the officer activated his lights to initiate a stop.  

When the officer exited his patrol vehicle, he informed Hawley to stop multiple times, which Hawley was initially reluctant to obey. The officer asked Hawley if he had identification on him, and Hawley responded, “Yeah, but you can’t have it.” While speaking with him, the officer noticed Hawley had his hands in his pockets. For safety reasons and given Hawley’s initial defiance, the officer commanded Hawley to take his hands out of his pockets, to which Hawley responded, “no.”  

In order to control the scene and Hawley for safety, the officer attempted to grab Hawley to place him into handcuffs for detention. However, Hawley then turned around and began running away, yelling “f**k you a**hole.” The officer followed after Hawley, yelling “STOP! POLICE! STOP!”  

Physical Altercation: Tackling the Suspect

Eventually, Hawley stopped, turned around, and positioned himself into a fighting stance by balling up his fists. The officer continued his sprint and tackled Hawley to the ground. Once on the ground, Hawley swung his right arm towards the officer’s face. The officer quickly took possession of Hawley’s arms and pinned them to the ground. The officer commanded Hawley to roll onto his stomach, which he failed to do.  

Hawley continued to scream in the officer’s face. The officer also noticed saliva coming out of Hawley’s mouth. Concerned that Hawley was going to spit on him, the officer placed his palm onto the right side of Hawley’s face and pinned his head to the ground to prevent an assault with bodily fluid.  

While waiting for other officers to arrive, Hawley began to knee the officer’s lower back and buttocks, causing pain. After other officers arrived on scene to assist, Hawley was rolled over onto his stomach, and the officer began the arrest procedure. While attempting to move Hawley’s right arm behind him, Hawley continued to resist by using physical force to move his arm beneath his body. The officer pinned Hawley’s elbow forward and was able to remove his right arm and place it behind him.

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports 

Arrest and Charges: A Consequential Outcome

After Hawley was placed into handcuffs, another officer removed a pocket knife from Hawley’s right pant pocket. Hawley was then transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility and remanded into custody. 

Hawley is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, and disorderly conduct. 

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