Missoula Police Track Down Suspect Linked to a Violent Disturbance

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 24, 2026, at approximately 4:41 AM, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to 11th Street for a report of a disturbance. The 911 caller reported seeing a male choke a female out. At one point, the female victim, Jane Doe, spoke with dispatch and stated she was fine.  

An officer located Doe and the 911 caller. The 911 caller spoke with the officer while Doe was seen by Emergency Medical Services. She said she observed 21-year-old Arthur Shorting shove Doe. She said Shorting then picked Doe up with both hands by the neck. She stated she and Doe then left. 

A detective spoke to Doe on March 26. She said she went to confront her friend about a broken window. Doe said this confrontation is what escalated into a physical disturbance. Doe stated she was talking to her friend, when Shorting and another male got into Doe’s face and were yelling.  

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Physical Assault Details: Shocking Testimony from the Victim

Doe said Shorting then grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her while yelling. Doe reported this continued to escalate as Shorting reportedly let go of one of Doe’s shoulders and wrapped a single hand around Doe’s throat. 

Doe said Shorting began to apply pressure that Doe believed lasted around 5 seconds, ending when Shorting forcefully threw Doe backwards by her neck, causing Doe to strike the 911 caller’s car with her back. 

On March 25, Doe said she was experiencing enough difficulty breathing and swallowing that she agreed to visit Community Medical Center. Doe described that her tonsils were inflamed and spoke about how her throat was now nearly swollen shut. Doe stated she spent multiple hours in the hospital. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Shorting could not be found following the incident on March 24 and it was not until March 26 that law enforcement had contact with him. At around 12:42 AM, officers were dispatched to a burglary alarm at Southgate Market. Officers observed several rocks on the sidewalk in front of the main doors. Officers confirmed the front doors were still locked and there had not been enough damage to the glass for a person to enter. 

Shorting's Capture: Officer's Recognition and Evidence

At approximately 12:53 AM, an officer was in the area of North Ave. and Russell St., when he observed two males in dark clothing. The officer immediately recognized one male as Shorting. The officer recognized Shorting from prior law enforcement contacts. The officer placed Shorting in handcuffs and he refused to speak without an attorney. 

Another officer found Shorting to be a match for the suspect from the Market footage. That officer was also familiar with Shorting from previous encounters. The officer found through his investigation that the damage to the door was more than $1,500. 

Shorting is currently being charged with felony aggravated assault and felony criminal mischief. His bond was set at $20,000. 

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