Injured Missoula Man Fights With Police in a Wendy’s Parking Lot

On Monday, a Missoula Police Officer responded to Southgate Mall for a report of a suicidal male who had cut himself “very badly,” according to the complainant. It was later discovered that the complainant was with the injured male who was later identified as 30-year-old Aaron Love.

Love was last seen getting into a green truck that drove to the Wendy's parking lot located on Brooks Street. Officers were met in the parking lot by the complainant, who confirmed that Love had cut himself and would likely be really upset that he called the police. According to Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold, the responding officers entered Wendy’s.

“Officers responded to a report of a male, Aaron Love, who had a self-inflicted wound on his upper extremity and it needed medical attention,” Arnold said. “Officers were able to locate Love at a restaurant. When officers confronted Love, they observed lots of blood on Love and confirmed he needed medical attention. Medical was en route. The officer requested Love exit the restaurant to meet with medical outside and so that the restaurant could resume normal business.”

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Court documents indicate an officer asked Love to come outside multiple times and he refused.

“Love became very confrontational with officers,” Arnold said. “It became clear Love was not able to care for himself and needed medical attention based on the amount of blood coming from the injury and the words he was saying. Love refused to cooperate with officers and ended up becoming physically violent towards officers and medical staff. Love caused injuries to a first responder by kicking them. Officers were able to eventually take Love into custody. After being treated for his injury at a local hospital, Love was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center.”

At one point, Love began kicking and attempted to bite an officer on the leg. Eventually, Love kicked his feet upwards striking the officer in the face, causing his nose to bleed. Love also kicked an EMT in chest as he was being strapped to a stretcher.

Love is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, and assault.