Missoula Man Arrested for Firing Gun in House

Missoula County Sheriff's deputies were called out to a trailer court in the Target Range area early Thursday morning for a report of an intoxicated man who had discharged a handgun several times inside his mobile home.

Public Information Officer Paige Pavalone said when deputies arrived, they ascertained that it was safe to enter the home, where they found 51 year-old Jessie Bateman.

"The suspect was highly intoxicated, and there was drug paraphernalia all over the living room with bongs and pipes and marijuana," Pavalone said. "There was in fact a revolver sitting right near him. The suspect said he was just test-firing his weapon and fired three holes into the ground."

Pavalone said there were several children in the area who claimed that Bateman had threatened to shoot them if they came near his property.

"He was taken into custody and transported to the Missoula County Jail," Pavalone said."

Bateman appeared in Missoula Justice Court on Thursday afternoon and was charged with several misdemeanors including disorderly conduct, possession of dangerous drugs and drug paraphernalia. He posted bond of over $1,800 and was ordered to appear for an omnibus hearing on November 19.