Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 4, 2022, Missoula Police Department officers responded to the 4800 block of Old Grant Creek Road. Near a motorhome, they encountered a female, a male, and 57-year-old Billy Rogers. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold explains.

“Billy Rogers is under arrest for felony charges after causing physical injuries to victims during a disturbance,” Arnold said. “Officers arrived on the scene and observed that all parties were still there. As they approached to contact those involved, officers observed injuries to the victims.” 

Court documents indicate the female was bleeding profusely from a head wound that appeared to need stitches and the male was lying semi-responsive on the ground. Officers noted that the female appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine. 

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“Fire and medical tended to the victims,” Arnold said. “Officers spoke to all involved parties and learned this was a domestic-related incident with suspected drug use. Officer spoke to an independent witness who gave an account of what they had witnessed. Rogers was taken into custody without further incident. This case is still under investigation with the Missoula Police Department Detective Division.” 

The female told the officer that she was in a dating relationship with Rogers for over a year. She said Rogers accused her of infidelity and hit her on the side of the head with what she believed was a “bag of rocks”. 

Another officer interviewed Rogers who admitted to arguing with the female. Rogers said he hit her in the head with a plastic bag containing a radiator hose and thermostat housing for a vehicle.  

The male that was lying on the ground when officers arrived appeared to have something wrong with his jaw. He was taken to St. Patrick’s hospital for treatment. The female told officers that the male had tried to intervene and protect her after she had been hit with the bag.  

Rogers told the officer that the male approached him and took a fighting stance while holding a pair of pliers. The male accused Rogers of hitting the female with a “bag of rocks.” Rogers admitted he struck the male in the jaw with his left hand, knocking the male out. Rogers said he thought the male was going to attack him. 

Rogers is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon, felony partner or family member assault, and misdemeanor assault. 

According to court documents, Rogers has had two prior convictions for Partner or Family Member Assault, both domestic violence priors, qualifying him for a charge of third-time Partner or Family Member Assault in this case. 

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

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