Man Charged for Punching a Police Officer and Child Endangerment

A DUI traffic stop turned violent on Sunday when a Missoula man attempted to walk away from the officer.

The officer attempted to stop him and the suspect then punched the officer in the face.

Police spokesman Travis Welsh provided details of the incident.

“On Saturday night at approximately 10:10 an officer initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Wyoming Street and Craig Lane,” said Welsh. “The officer made contact with the driver who was identified as 56 year-old Robert Leuphold. The officer made observations that led him to believe that Leuphold was possibly under the influence of alcohol and initiated a DUI investigation.”

Welsh then said that the suspect attempted to simply walk away from the incident.

“During the investigation, Mr. Leuphold attempted to walk away from the officer and then fought with him and another as they attempted to take him into custody. At one point, Mr. Leuphold turned and pulled back a doubled up first and punched an officer in the face.”

Welsh said there were more people involved in the incident, including an infant child.

“A 20 year-old passenger identified as Kiana Roastingstick was also arrested for an outstanding warrant, as well as drug possession. At the time of the arrest there was an infant child in a car seat inside the vehicle that Mr. Leuphold was driving.”

In addition to the charges of felony assault on a peace officer and DUI, there were charges of felony criminal child endangerment. The child’s car seat was also improperly installed, causing more danger to the infant.