Knife-Wielding Woman Arrested in Missoula After Altercation

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 6:27 p.m. on July 11, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to the area of 501 North California Street. The 911 complainant said there was a female with a knife swinging it at people. Another officer contacted the female on the bike path west of California Street. Officers could see the knife in her right pocket. Once the officers gained positive control of the female, they removed the knife from the female’s right pocket. 

The officer placed her in the back of his patrol vehicle and read her Miranda warning. She refused to answer any questions regarding the incident. The female was identified as 64-year-old Linda Rodriguez.  

While waiting for other officers to finish their interviews Rodriguez said she knew the group of people they were talking to and said they attacked her. Rodriguez also said they should be going to jail. Due to Rodriguez practicing her rights and refusing to answer questions, the officer didn’t question her about the incident.  

Another officer responded and contacted the original 911 caller to get a statement about what he had seen. The caller stated that Rodriguez had confronted a female who was at a tent next to the bridge. He said Rodriguez had pulled out a knife and said something to the effect of, "You want to try and jump me now?" He said the female at the tent and Rodriguez exchanged words. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Then the officer made contact with the individuals at the tent. He asked the female what had occurred, and she stated that Rodriguez had come over to their camp earlier that morning, and there was an altercation where she had taken Rodriguez to the ground. She stated that Rodriguez had then come back later in the day and brandished a knife, saying something to the effect of, "You want to try and fight me now?" The individuals in the tent were all telling Rodriguez to leave when she began to swing the knife around. 

Rodriguez was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. She is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon. 

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