Missoula Man Injures Deputy With Handcuffs During His Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 10th, 2025, law enforcement responded to the 7700 block of Antelope Drive for the report of a disturbance. A male, identified as 35-year-old Ethan Bellon, was bleeding from his face. He appeared highly intoxicated, was yelling in an agitated and erratic manner, was slurring his speech, and smelled strongly of alcohol. A female, later identified as his wife, Jane Doe, was also covered in blood, but claimed it was all from Bellon. Three young children were also identified as present in the home. 

A witness, a friend of Doe’s, said Bellon began “hitting” Doe, and she defended herself by hitting back before the two ended up on the ground. She could not recall the full sequence and described it as a chaotic fight. During the confrontation, Bellon picked up a camping chair with metal poles and swung it at the witness, striking her in the head. She had visible swelling on her head. 

Another witness claimed that they had observed Bellon striking Doe, and after approximately the third or fourth strike, he fell forward onto his face while attempting to punch her again. 

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Bellon was Uncooperative 

Bellon was uncooperative throughout the investigation. When attempting to effectuate the arrest and when speaking with medics, Bellon kept throwing his head back. A Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy asked him to stop to prevent him from throwing blood onto himself and the medics. Bellon was also spitting.  

Bellon was double-cuffed to accommodate a prior shoulder surgery. However, Bellon was able to bind the deputy’s left hand between the two handcuffs and began flexing his arms, tightly gripping and pulling the deputy’s hand toward his body.  

The Deputy Sustained Injuries 

The deputy sustained a one-inch by one-inch swollen bruise where the handcuff pinned his hand. There were also red marks and bruising on the deputy’s left forearm with residual pain. The deputy also noted that his shoulder felt strained because he could feel a sharp pain when rotating it.  

Bellon continued to resist throughout the arrest until finally complying and sitting in the back of the patrol car. En route to the jail, Bellon made statements to the deputy such as “I’ll remember you” and “I’m going to find you”. Bellon also slammed his head multiple times against the vehicle's cage. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Bellon is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace officer, two counts of partner or family member assault, assault, and criminal mischief.  

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