Missoula Man Charged With Felony Assault After Attacking Officer

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 22, 2026, a Missoula Police Department officer was informed via dispatch that a disturbance was occurring at a residence in the 200 block of N. Travois. The 911 caller said there was an intoxicated male who was outside, belligerently drunk, and was kicking and punching his vehicle while threatening to beat him up. The officer responded and located the male. The officer yelled for the male to stop and come over to her. The male stopped banging on a door and began walking towards the officer.  

The male continued yelling and appeared to be incoherently yelling things that did not make sense. The officer commanded the male to stop and sit on the ground; the male did not listen and continued walking towards the officer. The officer again gave the male commands to stop and sit on the ground. The male appeared more agitated and began to bunch his fists into balls.  

At this time, the male was approximately ten feet away from the officer and began charging at her. The officer went hands-on with the male, who was later identified as 43-year-old Randall Tatsey. Tatsey attempted to take swings at the officer with his fists. The officer grabbed onto Tatsey’s wrist and opposite shoulder and threw Tatsey to the ground, landing on top of Tatsey, who was positioned on his stomach. 

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Struggle for Control: Officer Takes Action

Tatsey continued yelling at the officer and refused to stop resisting. The officer then delivered three strikes to the male’s face to dissuade Tatsey from resisting. Tatsey continued to get angry. The officer attempted to call out over the radio but was unable to do so due to other individuals utilizing the radio. 

Tatsey was able to turn from his stomach onto his back. At this time, the officer did not have one of Tatsey’s arms under control. Tatsey then balled his fist and swung at the officer’s face. Tatsey’s fist made contact with the right side of the officer’s lip. The officer continued to push against Tatsey, attempting to get Tatsey to roll to his stomach. It was at this time that the officer was able to utilize her radio to call for backup.  

Then the 911 caller arrived and asked if he could help the officer. The caller assisted by holding down Tatsey’s legs. The officer then asked the caller to go get other officers that had responded to the area. Two other officers responded and assisted with controlling Tatsey’s body. Tatsey continued to resist until one of the officers administered a knee strike to Tatsey’s ribs, which was effective as Tatsey then moved his arm behind his back. Tatsey was then placed into handcuffs. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Tatsey is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace officer and resisting arrest.  

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