Man Kicks Service Dog, Attacks Teens in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 29th, 2026, at approximately 5:10 PM, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to the Mountain Line Transfer Center at 200 W. Pine St. after two reports that a male, later identified as 57-year-old Jesse Rodriguez, was behaving erratically, had kicked a service dog, and was chasing a male. On-scene law enforcement separated and spoke to five witnesses.

14-year-old B.T., informed them that he was seated at the transfer center with his two other friends when he observed Rodriguez beating what appeared to be a service dog outside the courthouse. A woman was also yelling at Rodriguez.

Then Rodriguez yelled as he approached B.T. and his friends. Rodriguez kicked over a trash can and yelled, “You guys want some?” at them as he continued to advance towards them. The party attempted to move away from him, but Rodriguez continued to advance and yell before the group started screaming for help. Eventually, Rodriguez pushed B.T.’s 13-year-old friend, N.R., backward, but not hard enough for her to fall over.

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Evidence Collected: Eyewitness Accounts and Videos

Law enforcement obtained a cellphone video from B.T., which showed Rodriguez yelling and being confrontational with the juveniles on scene. 15-year-old R. L. also corroborated the statements of the other witnesses, including Rodriguez pushing N.R. R.L stated that she was scared that Rodriguez was going to hurt her and her friends and that she wanted to get away from him. She said they tried to run from Rodriguez before another adult intervened.

Officers also spoke with another male witness who reported that he and his family were driving by the transfer center when they heard a group of three juveniles yelling for help. He reported seeing Rodriguez harassing juveniles in an aggressive manner. He exited his vehicle and placed himself between Rodriguez and the juveniles, before Rodriguez turned towards the male’s wife, who was positioned at the passenger side of the vehicle.

Rodriguez moved towards the wife and shut the door on her foot. The male moved towards his wife and pushed Rodriguez away. His wife then maneuvered to the other side of the vehicle, and Rodriguez followed her. Once again, the male pushed Rodriguez away. Officers also observed two young children in the backseat of the vehicle.

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

When officers arrived on scene, Rodriguez was walking backwards and appeared to be challenging others to fight. As officers attempted to detain him, he physically resisted even after the officers used force. While on the ground and attempting to gain control of Rodriguez, an officer reported that Rodriguez grabbed his pants near his genitals and that Rodriguez was kicking at his legs.

Eventually, Rodriguez was taken into custody and arrested. Then he was transported to jail. He is currently being charged with felony assault on a minor, two counts of assault, and disorderly conduct. His bond was set at $20,000.

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