Missoula Man Cuts Woman’s Ear Near Clark Fork Camp

On July 16, 2022, at approximately 9:22 pm, Missoula Police Department officers responded to the area of Parkside Condos on Cooper Street for a reported disturbance. The reporting party stated that they heard a male and female arguing somewhere between the condos and the nearby Clark Fork River.

The reporting party stated they heard the female asking for help and for police to be called because the male was threatening her with a knife. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold explains. 

“Jason Coffee is currently in custody on charges of assault with a weapon after a community member called 911 after hearing a female call for help and stating knives were involved,” Arnold said. “The incident took place on the local trail system in Missoula.” 

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On July 15, 2022, Coffee allegedly stole a backpack from the female that contained alcohol and other items. The next day, the female went to Coffee’s camp and attempted to retrieve her belongings. 

“In the preliminary police investigation, officers learned the victim reported Coffee had stolen their personal belongings several days ago,” Arnold said. “When the victim tried to retrieve their belongings, Coffee threatened the victim with a knife. The victim sustained a small laceration. Currently, this case is still under investigation with the Missoula Police Department Detective Division.” 

According to court documents, the victim attempted to grab her alcohol, but during the attempt, Coffee thrashed at the victim with his knives and cut her right ear and a part of the dress she was wearing. Coffee claimed he armed himself with his knives only out of self-defense. 

Coffee is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon, resisting arrest, and obstructing a peace officer. 

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