Probationer Caught With Meth Near a Missoula Preschool

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 11, 2026, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched for a welfare check. An employee at a preschool called dispatch requesting a welfare check on a male walking towards the school. She said the male could barely walk and was stumbling. She was concerned he would walk into traffic. 

An officer arrived in the area and found the male near the intersection of South 3rd Street West and Kemp Street. The officer saw that the male had difficulty walking and was stumbling. The officer identified the male as 45-year-old Lukas Gallo based on previous law enforcement contacts, including methamphetamine use.  

The officer turned her lights on and parked her patrol vehicle on the side of the roadway in front of Gallo. The officer contacted Gallo and advised him there was a welfare check called in. During the conversation, the officer noticed that Gallo was lethargic, slow with his movements, and was sweating profusely. The officer asked Gallo if he had medical conditions or was in need of medical care, but Gallo denied both. 

Get our free mobile app

Probation and Past Encounters: A Troubling History

The officer also heard over dispatch that Gallo was on probation. The officer had not seen Gallo in some time and asked where he had been. Gallo said he returned to Missoula about one month prior after completing treatment in Butte. Gallo agreed to provide a PBT, and the result was 0.00 BrAC.  

Another officer arrived on scene, and both officers contacted a Probation Officer who asked them to search Gallo and any property in his possession. During the probation search, an officer located a glass tube with residue he recognized as a methamphetamine pipe. The pipe was in a cigarette pack found in Gallo’s front pants pocket.  

Then officers searched Gallo’s green duffel bag and located red bolt cutters and several watches that appeared to be dressy in nature. The officer found this odd as he knew Gallo to be unemployed and homeless.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Confession and Intent: Gallo's Admission of Theft

Gallo was provided with Miranda rights and agreed to speak. Gallo said the bolt cutters were recently purchased with the intent to cut bicycle locks so Gallo could steal bicycles. Gallo said he received the watches from someone at the Poverello Center, but refused to give a name. When asked about the pipe, Gallo said he used methamphetamine that morning. Gallo was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. 

While at the jail, a Detention Officer began searching Gallo’s person. The DO located a clear plastic baggie of methamphetamine inside Gallo’s pocket. The officer noted that she missed the baggie during a search of Gallo’s person. 

Gallo is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $50,000 for a probation violation. 

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