Illegal Camper Elbows Officer in the Face in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On December 30, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer observed a large tent at the west end of River Road near the Russell Street bridge. The tent was erected directly across from residential housing. The tent was also in between a public pathway and the Clark Fork River. The officer determined that the tent was in violation of Chapter 12.60 of the Missoula Municipal Code. 

The officer approached the tent and observed a male and a female with blue hair. An officer asked the male if there was anyone in the tent and he replied "No". The officer asked him about the female with blue hair and the male said there was "no female here.” 

The officer shook the tent and identified himself as a police officer. There was no response from inside the tent. The officer opened the tent to decide whether the property had been abandoned. The officer observed blankets inside the tent. When he moved them, he observed Brad Carlson. Carlson stated, "I'm not interested in talking with you guys”. 

Carlson Continued to be Uncooperative 

The officer asked Carlson to come out of the tent. Carlson replied by calling the officer a "c**ksucker" and told him to "go f**k [himself]". The officer tried to get Carlson to calm down so he could resolve the issue peacefully. The officer’s de-escalation efforts failed to resonate with Carlson. 

Carlson walked over the entrance of the tent and attempted to close it. The officer did not want Carlson to close the flap to the tent, so he grabbed Carlson’s left arm and told him "no". Carlson swatted at the officer and said, "do not touch me". 

The officer gave Carlson multiple opportunities to peacefully listen to an explanation regarding why the tent was placed at the location in violation of the Missoula City ordinance. It was clear to the officer that Carlson had no intention to cooperate and that additional attempts to de-escalate the situation were going to be ineffective.  

Officers Attempt to Place Carlson Under Arrest 

Carlson attempted to close the flap to his tent once again and officers went to place him under arrest. The officer grabbed Carlson’s left arm and tried to pull him out of the tent. Carlson resisted by tensing his arms and pulling away from the officer. 

The officers were able to pull Carlson out of the tent and got him onto the ground. Carlson continued to resist and refused to place his hands behind his back. During the struggle, Carlson used his right arm and elbowed the officer in the face. According to court documents, Carlson’s elbow caused a bleeding injury to the officer’s lips.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Eventually, Carlson’s hands were placed behind his back and he was secured in handcuffs. Carlson’s elbow caused pain to the officer’s lips, teeth, and jaw. The officer could feel his lips begin to swell while on scene. Then Carlson was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace officer, assault, obstructing a peace officer, and two counts of resisting arrest. 

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