Missoula Police Arrest Man for Allegedly Chasing a Woman With a Knife

At around 8:30 Thursday night, the Missoula Police Department received an assault with a weapon report. Police Public Information Officer Travis Welsh explains.

“The complainant had observed a male chasing a female while waving a knife around in the 200 block of Russell Street,” Welsh said. “An officer went to the area, drove around, and observed a male who matched a description given by the victim. The male was walking westbound on Wyoming Street from Russell.”

According to Welsh, the officer made contact with the male and identified him as 27-year-old Michael Birks.

“Mr. Birks was found to be in possession of a weapon,” Welsh said. “Officers spoke to the victim who gave them details of the incident and they developed probable cause to place Mr. Birks under arrest. No injuries were reported. After being arrested, he was also found to be in possession of methamphetamine.”

Birks was arrested for criminal possession of dangerous drugs, assault with a weapon, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was eventually transported to the Missoula County Jail.