Man Keeps Stealing From Missoula Stores

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 16, 2024, a Good Food Store employee reported a theft. The report indicated that a male, later identified as 42-year-old Aaron Bakula, entered the store and stole $11.98 of consumable goods without paying for them and passing all points of sale. The report included photos of the suspect and the white Pontiac Bakula was driving.

The registration returned to Bakula, and the employee who made the report positively identified Bakula. Bakula is alleged to have committed a series of thefts in Missoula County and has previously been convicted of theft as well. Bakula is alleged to have committed the following thefts:

January 30, 2024: Shoplifting at the Good Food Store
February 3, 2024: Shoplifting at Scheels
March 1, 2024: Theft at Walmart
June 18, 2024: Shoplifting at the Good Food Store
June 21, 2024: Shoplifting at the Good Food Store

In addition to the above allegations, Bakula was trespassed from the Good Food Store on January 30, 2024, and again on June 18, 2024. On July 19, 2024, a Missoula Police Department officer observed the white Pontiac drive by him. Bakula was the driver and was observed to be actively smoking marijuana.

A stop was executed and Bakula was instructed to step out of the vehicle. The officer read Bakula his Miranda Rights, and Bakula said he understood them. Bakula then informed Officer LaRocque that he went to the Good Food Store because he was hungry. He said he knew he did not have money to pay for the food and he intended to steal it. Bakula also knew that he knew he was not supposed to be there because he was previously trespassed by an employee.

Bakula is currently being charged with felony burglary.

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