A Smoky Encounter Leads to a Dramatic Arrest in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 5, 2026, at approximately 1:55 a.m., a Missoula Police Department Officer was conducting an extra patrol on the north side of the California Street Foot Bridge. As the officer exited his patrol vehicle, he smelled smoke from what he believed was a campfire. The officer followed the smell and walked down to the river.  

The officer observed two males, one of whom was seated by the burning embers, and the other was standing over the fire. The officer told them that it was illegal to have a fire within the Missoula city limits. The male who was standing became hostile and aggressive and began yelling at the officer. The male said something to the effect of, get that flashlight out of my face a**hole and then told him to leave him alone. The officer told the male, who was later identified as Todd Spence, that it was dark and the flashlight was necessary to see.  

The officer was aware that several fires had occurred in the area due to illegal fires, which the Missoula Fire Department and MPD have responded to. With the growing amount of trash and other combustible materials, the officer knew that fires have the potential to spread rapidly, causing damage to city property and natural habitats. Officers noted the close proximity of Eagle Watch Estates in particular, a residential home for individuals with qualifying disabilities, often with mobility issues. 

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Spence continued to yell and flipped the officer the bird. Due to his elevated behavior, the officer radioed dispatch and requested that another officer respond to his location. Another officer then arrived on-scene and Spence continued to yell and use obscenities directed at them.  

The officer gave Spence several chances to identify himself, but he refused to comply. Officers then secured Spence’s arms and placed him in handcuffs. After escorting Spence to a patrol vehicle, the officer conducted a search incident to arrest. In an inside pocket of Spence’s jacket, the officer found a white and clear soft plastic zip bag. The officer observed several syringes, a pill, a multicolored ceramic smoking pipe, and a meth pipe.   

After the search was complete, an officer transported Spence to the Missoula County Detention Facility, where Spence continued to be extremely hostile and aggressive toward jail staff. Once there, the clear plastic zip bag was opened by jail staff. They told the officer that they found three methamphetamine glass pipes, a marijuana pipe, several syringes, and a gabapentin pill.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Spence has two prior convictions for possession of dangerous drugs in the past two years. He was also convicted on the obstructing charges that accompanied both of the prior drug cases.  

According to court documents, Spence’s substance abuse issues persist, which correspond with his continued, often aggressive, behavior that poses a risk to the community. 

Spence has been permanently trespassed from over a dozen locations in Missoula, has a combined eight pending cases in Missoula Municipal and Justice courts, and, since the beginning of 2026 alone, 911 Dispatch has received at least 15 calls for service involving Spence. 

The State requested an arrest warrant in the amount of $10,000. 

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