Missoula Liquor Store Brawl Ends With Serious Charges

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - 28-year-old Landon Lockyer entered a liquor store at approximately 11:00 a.m. on January 29. Lockyer stumbled towards the front counter and knocked over several items offered for sale. Lockyer next proceeded to the vodka section, where he grabbed several bottles of liquor. An employee, John Doe, was working at the cash register when this occurred. Doe informed Lockyer that the store would not be serving him alcohol due to his state of apparent intoxication.  

Lockyer backed up and stormed to the vodka section, where he selected a bottle of liquor and attempted to exit the business without paying. Doe told Lockyer that he could not leave the premises with the liquor and that Lockyer needed to leave. Doe seized the bottle from Lockyer. Lockyer turned around, walked back to the liquor shelf, and took possession of a glass bottle of Svedka Vodka worth $28.10. Doe put his arm out to stop Lockyer from leaving the store with the bottle.  

Lockyer tried to push past Doe, grabbing him and pushing him back. Doe “bear hugged” Lockyer, wrapping his arms around Lockyer’s arms and pinning them to his sides. When Doe did this, Lockyer resisted violently, and they both fell to the floor. Doe managed to get on top of Lockyer. Lockyer looked up at Doe and stated, “You f*****g old man, I’m gonna kill you.” Doe is 64 years old, and he perceived Lockyer to be much younger. Doe estimated that the fight lasted 5 minutes until another employee called 911. 

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Responding Missoula Police Department officers took control of Lockyer and moved him to a nearby patrol car. An officer reported that Lockyer planted his feet and stopped the forward movement of officers attempting to safely take him into custody. Lockyer managed to sit down by picking up his legs, and then he repeatedly tried to kick another officer. That officer clearly and loudly repeated, “Stop trying to kick me!” Three other officers struggled to prevent Lockyer from spitting on the officer. 

A Sergeant reported that as he attempted to help officers deploy the WRAP restraint, Lockyer turned his body onto his side, reared his left foot back, and kicked him very hard directly in the kneecap. The sergeant immediately felt a sharp pain in his knee. Officers obtained a WRAP device and eventually subdued Lockyer. Lockyer continued to kick at officers as they attempted to employ the WRAP restraint device. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Lockyear was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony robbery, felony assault on a peace officer, felony attempted assault with a weapon, felony burglary, obstructing a peace officer, and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $50,000. 

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