Knife Assault at the Poverello Center in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 28, 2026, Missoula Police Department Officers responded to the Poverello Center to investigate a reported act of violence. John Doe reported that he had an encounter with 26-year-old Edward Howard outside the courtyard of the Poverello Center. He described Howard as the “painted face dude.” Howard’s face is covered with multiple tattoos. 

According to Doe, Howard bumped him into a fence and pulled out a knife. When Doe looked down, he saw a knife in Howard’s hand. Doe stated that he defended himself by using physical force to “submit” Howard.  

Howard provided a statement. He claimed that Doe was the aggressor. Howard stated that he removed his own knife to protect himself. He held the knife to his side but was physically assaulted by Doe and disarmed. 

Get our free mobile app

Officers reviewed the Poverello Center surveillance video. The video shows Howard and Doe walking past each other. It appears that the two men bumped shoulders. Doe walked away from Howard. Howard turned around and followed him.  

Howard caught up to Doe, pinned him against the fence, and threw him to the ground. A sport utility vehicle precludes the viewer from observing what occurred after Doe was thrown to the ground.  

A Poverello staff member reported that Howard has been lingering around the Poverello Center for multiple days and “causing a tremendous amount of issues for staff and Poverello clients”.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Using the video evidence, officers determined that Howard was the aggressor. He was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon. His bond was set at $50,000. 

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