On May 30, 2022, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to the Poverello Center for a weapons report. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold explains.

“Officers were dispatched to the Poverello Center for the report of a male, Justin Casida, having pointed a handgun at the victim’s face,” Arnold said. “The dispatcher was provided a description of what Casida was wearing. As officers arrived on scene, they located Casida outside of the Poverello. Casida was detained. Officers collected a statement from the victim who reported they had knocked on the porta potty doors and for no apparent reason, Casida, who was in the porta potty, opened the door and pointed the handgun at the victim’s head.”

According to the victim, Casida stated something to the effect of, “get the f**k away” or “get the f**k out of here.” Officers observed the victim to be noticeably distressed over the situation.

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“Officers located a handgun on Casida, which matched the description that had been provided by the victim,” Arnold said. “Officers were informed there was no video surveillance in the area where this offense took place. Officers collected statements and collected the handgun for evidence. Casida was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center.”

Casida initially denied possessing a handgun, but later admitted to having a handgun in his backpack. Casida reported that he was harassed at the outhouse by a female and two males. He said the two males began throwing rocks at the outhouse. Casida further stated the handgun was never removed from his backpack.

An officer walked the victim outside while Casida was arrested, and the victim immediately identified Casida as the person who pointed the handgun at her. Casida is currently being charged with one count of felony assault with a weapon.

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

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