Missoula Man Claws Officer's Face While Resisting Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 16, 2024, at around 8:41 PM, a Missoula Police Department Officer was on routine patrol downtown when he was dispatched to a reported assault. The complainant called 911 to report that he had just witnessed a transient male scream at a female and push her. He advised the female began to cry, and reported the male suspect then began pounding on the windows of the “Paddleheads” store.

The complainant provided a physical description of the male suspect. The officer responded and located the male suspect in the entryway of Hide and Sole on N Higgins Avenue. The officer recognized the suspect from an encounter with law enforcement the day prior wherein the suspect had been screaming and yelling at passersby.

The officer approached the male, later identified as 23-year-old Hunter Housley, and ordered him to place his hands behind his back to be placed under arrest for assault. According to court documents, Housley swatted the officer’s grip away, stated “No,” and tried to flee on foot.

Suspect Fights With Officer

The officer grabbed onto Housley as he ran into the roadway of N. Higgins Avenue. The officer and Housley were then on the ground in the bicycle lane. Housley began to attack the officer by clawing and striking his face with his hands and fingernails. Housley also broke the officer’s sunglasses. Another officer arrived to assist and Housley was placed in handcuffs.

The officer assessed his injuries and discovered he had multiple vertical scratches on his face, some of which were deep enough to be bleeding. Hours later, the scratches still caused him pain and he had abrasions on his face.

Victim Explains What Happened

The assault victim, Jane Doe, had been hiding at a nearby store. Doe told the officer she had been walking down the sidewalk to work when Housley pushed her into a nearby metal bicycle rack. Doe then fled into the store, locking the door behind her.

Doe declined medical attention but was visibly upset. Doe reported that she had been incredibly frightened by the incident and was thankful the bicycle rack was there to break her fall. Doe stated if the bicycle rack hadn’t been there, she would have fallen and would not have been able to get up and away from Housley.

Housley was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace officer, assault, resisting arrest, and criminal mischief. On April 17, 2024, Housley made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $25,000.

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