Missoula Man Threatens Juvenile With a 6-Inch Saw Blade, Damages Cars

On Saturday, a Missoula Police Department officer responded to a disturbance at a residence on Phillips Street. The officer spoke with a juvenile male who reported that he was in his front yard when he heard someone being loud and yelling in a nearby yard.

The juvenile said he heard a window break and saw a male carrying a knife. The juvenile said the suspect male lunged towards him, while brandishing the knife, and said “Ya you better get back.” The juvenile described the knife as “really long” with “duct tape around it.” Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold explains.

“38-year-old Loren Youngrunningcrane was arrested and taken to the Missoula County Detention Center after threatening two juveniles with a knife, and damaging vehicles and property in the area of the 1600 block of Phillips Street,” Arnold said. “During the preliminary investigation, officers were able to speak with the juvenile victims and their guardians. Officers took initial statements of the incident that had occurred.”

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At one point, the juvenile said Youngrunningcrane walked up towards his house and scratched the rear fender of his mother’s vehicle with the knife.

“It was described Youngrunningcrane had been in the area stabbing a garbage can, as well as hitting vehicles, and then approached the juveniles with a knife,” Arnold said. “Officers were able to gather evidence and photograph the damage to the property while they were on scene. Officers located Youngrunningcrane and took him into custody. This case is still being investigated by Missoula Police Detectives.”

When officers made contact with Youngrunningcrane, they located a 6-inch saw blade with a red and black-colored handle. Court documents indicate Youngrunningcrane broke two vehicle windows as well.

The officer asked the juvenile what he thought was going to happen when Youngrunningcrane postured at him with the knife. The juvenile said, “I thought he was going to stab me so I ran” and that “it was scary.”

Youngrunningcrane is currently being charged with assault with a weapon and criminal mischief.