Missoula Police Defuse Dramatic Knife Altercation at Gas Station

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 16, 2024, Missoula Police Department Officers responded to a gas station in the 1500 block of Toole Ave. Officers were informed that a 911 caller had reported that a male had pulled a knife on another person. The 911 caller further reported that the two individuals began fighting again and that one had a stick. 

Officers arrived and observed two males in the parking lot who appeared to be posturing towards each other. Officers observed a male in a black shirt, later identified as Jay Cornwell, drop a milk crate he had been holding and the male in a red shirt, later identified as Charles Sheehan, drop a stick. Officers made contact with both males.  

Sheehan was ordered to his knees, while Cornwell was observed standing off to the side. Sheehan began yelling that Cornwell had a knife and said that Cornwell had pulled that knife on him. Officers observed what appeared to be a black and silver pocketknife attached to the front of Cornwell’s shorts. 

Cornwell removed the knife from his pocket, without opening the blade. Officers ordered Cornwell to drop the knife three separate times. Cornwell stated it was a tool before dropping the knife into the grass. One officer then began speaking to Cornwell, while another officer spoke with Sheehan.  

Sheehan Shares His Side of the Story 

An officer noted that Sheehan appeared to be highly agitated. As Sheehan was being placed into handcuffs, he began yelling and pulling away before being detained by additional officers. Sheehan continued yelling and swearing at officers before ultimately calming down.  

The officer asked Sheehan what had occurred and Sheehan stated that he and Cornwell had not previously known each other and that Cornwell had asked Sheehan for a lighter. Sheehan informed Cornwell that he did not have a lighter, but stated the gas station had packs of matches that were free. Sheehan then got matches for Cornwell and in return, asked Cornwell for a drink of the beer that Cornwell was drinking.  

Sheehan reported that Cornwell refused and the two began to argue. Sheehan reported that Cornwell pulled a knife on him, and in response, Sheehan grabbed a pallet and threw it, spilling Cornwell’s beer. Sheehan stated he then left for a short time but returned with a large stick to confront Cornwell. 

Cornwell Shares His Side of the Story 

During this same time, Cornwell continued to speak with an officer and stated that the entire incident stemmed from Sheehan asking Cornwell for a sip of his Twisted Tea. Cornwell reported that he told Sheehan “No” and that Sheehan took whatever he had in his hand and threw it in Cornwell’s face.  

Cornwell reported that Sheehan had picked up a wood pallet and attempted to hit him. Cornwell stated that he moved toward Sheehan “to back him off” and “took a couple of swings at him.” Cornwell reported that Sheehan dropped the pallet, ran away, and said he would be back. Cornwell reported that Sheehan returned and took a few swings, barely missing Cornwell with the large stick. Cornwell stated he was unarmed at this point and used the milk crate to block the stick when law enforcement arrived. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Both Men Were Arrested 

Other officers gathered eyewitness statements from individuals in the area and the consensus was that Cornwell was the primary aggressor in the first incident with the knife and following the break, upon Sheehan’s return, he was the aggressor. Both Sheehan and Cornwell were placed under arrest. 

Cornwell became irate as he was being placed in the back of a patrol car. During transport to the jail, he made several threats toward the officer and called her a variety of derogatory names.  

Cornwell is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon and felony threats/improper influence in official and political matters. Sheehan is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon and resisting arrest.  

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