Assault Reported Inside Missoula Accounting Office

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 20, 2026, at approximately 7:30 a.m., John Doe called 911 to report he had just been physically assaulted inside his accounting office by an unknown male, later identified as 56-year-old James Roberts, at 327 East Broadway. Doe advised that he had separated from Roberts and made his way inside a nearby business where he called 911.

A Missoula Police Department officer arrived on scene and made contact with Doe. While speaking with Doe, the officer observed Doe’s hands visibly shaking and could hear his voice trembling as he spoke. The officer also observed minor apparent injuries to Doe’s nose and the right side of his face, including what appeared to be small cuts and possibly dried blood.

Doe advised that Roberts may still be in the office. The officer left to investigate the incident location. Along the way, the officer observed broken glass nearby at 317 and 319 East Broadway Street, both of which appeared to be associated with an apartment building.

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Evidence of Violence: Damage to Property

Upon arriving at the incident location, Doe’s workplace, the officer observed that the glass on the front door had been shattered. The officer further observed multiple miscellaneous items scattered across the front area of the business.

Another officer went to the back of the 327 East Broadway building. The officer spotted an older white male, later confirmed to be Roberts, through the window. Roberts exited the building and stated, “I’m your guy.” The officer observed what appeared to be a fresh laceration on Roberts’s shin, dry blood on his left wrist, and a few small cuts.

After placing him in handcuffs, Roberts identified himself. According to court documents, Roberts then told the officer that he hadn’t slept in two and a half days and that he had taken mushrooms but could not recall when. After Doe confirmed Roberts was the individual who attacked him, Roberts was taken to the hospital and then remanded into the custody of the Missoula County Detention Facility.

A Chaotic Encounter: The Assault Unfolds

The officer conducted a further interview of Doe, who reported that he was inside the accounting office when he heard what sounded like glass "falling" outside, though he did not initially know what caused the noise. Doe stated he then looked out the front door and observed Roberts outside. Doe said he asked Roberts if everything was okay, at which point Roberts responded affirmatively before throwing water on Doe.

Doe stated that Roberts then struck him with a bag, which hit the left side of his head. The bag, which was subsequently seized as evidence, was observed by the officer to be a cloth bag that contained a hard, insulated 20-ounce stainless steel-style water bottle.

Doe stated he retreated back into the accounting office and attempted to close the front door. However, Roberts forced his way inside before Doe could secure it. Doe stated that while both individuals were inside the office, Roberts "hit me one or two more times with the bag." Doe stated he then took the bag from Roberts, at which time Roberts pushed him against a desk located to the right of the front entrance. Doe stated he asked Roberts, "What's the matter? What I do?" Doe stated that Roberts then "punched" him.

Doe stated he then pushed Roberts away, exited the accounting office through the front door, and subsequently heard the front door slam shut behind him. Doe stated he was “scared and trying to get away” when he ultimately made his way to a nearby business and called for help.

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

An officer spoke with ADEA Property Management maintenance personnel about damage that had happened to the property. They estimated the damage to be between $3,000 and $5,000.

Roberts is currently being charged with felony aggravated burglary, felony criminal mischief, and assault. His bond was set at $250,000.

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