Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On December 6, 2022, at approximately 2:36 a.m., Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to an assisted living facility for a report of an assault. The 911 caller had stated that an employee had been bear sprayed and punched by Jaden Trenk who later left the scene in a vehicle.  

The officer responded to the assisted living facility and when he arrived, his face immediately began to sting. The officer said he started to cough and also had trouble breathing.  

The officer found the victim in his underwear, as he had already attempted to shower to get the bear spray off of himself. The officer also observed an orange oily substance on the victim’s left ear. The victim also appeared to have fresh red marks and bruising on his left arm and shoulder blade. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold picks up the story. 

“Officers who responded were also affected by the bear spray residue,” Arnold said. “Officers spoke to the victim and got a statement about what led to Trenk discharging the bear spray. The victim provided a detailed description of the vehicle Trenk had left in.” 

The victim stated that he has known Trenk since the third grade and that Trenk believed the victim had stolen money from him. The victim said Trenk entered the building, knocked on his bedroom door, and immediately sprayed him in the ear and face with the bear spray. The victim said he fell to the ground and that Trenk began punching him in the head and body. 

During the time the officer was interviewing the victim, the victim was having trouble opening his eyes, was coughing, and had mucus coming from his mouth and nose. The officer also noted that there were numerous elderly patients present, some of which were exhibiting signs of being physically impacted by the bear spray. During this same time, another officer was patrolling in the 2500 block of Reserve Street when he observed a blue Chrysler 200 in the parking lot. 

“Officers located the vehicle and Trenk,” Arnold said. “Based on facts learned in the preliminary investigation, officers seized the vehicle and applied for a search warrant. Officers were granted the search warrant. This case is still under investigation with the Missoula Police Department Detective Division.” 

During the search, officers found in the area of the passenger seat, where Trenk was sitting, bear-spray packaging and a bear-spray holster. Trenk is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon.  

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

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