Missoula Man Attacks Woman at the POV With an Unusual Weapon

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 13th, 2024, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to a possible assault with a weapon at the Poverello Center. Dispatch advised that Jane Doe was on the bench outside of the POV when a male, later identified as 40-year-old Jonathan Stump, wearing a blue jacket approached her, made a statement, and then hit her with a chain. Doe reported that the male had tattoos on his face. 

Officers arrived and observed a male wearing a blue jacket walking away from the area. One officer recognized Stump from a call the day prior to remove and trespass him from the East Gate Shopping Center. The officer placed Stump under arrest and escorted him to his patrol vehicle.  

Then the officer met with a front desk staff member of the POV. They reviewed security video footage which showed Doe sitting on a bench by herself and Stump approaching her. Stump sat on the bench for a very short time, stood up, and began walking away. He then turned around and struck Doe with an unknown object. Doe attempted to block the strike and protect herself with her arms. 

When interviewed, Doe said that she was sitting on a bench when Stump approached her, sat down, and began speaking to her. Doe did not know what Stump was saying and did not recognize him. Stump then stood up and began walking away. Then he turned around and struck her with a chain near her buttocks. Stump left, and Doe stated she wanted him arrested and taken away. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

An officer completed a search incident to arrest of Stump and found a silver bike chain. Stump denied knowing Doe and denied the assault. Stump was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. According to court documents, Stump stated that he “did that” to go back to jail because he did not like it on the outside. 

Stump is currently being charged with two counts of felony assault with a weapon. His bond was set at $15,000. 

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