Missoula Police Arrest Man For Assaulting and Strangling His Girlfriend

On June 28, 2022, Missoula Police Department officers responded to a residence on Stephens Avenue for a reported disturbance involving bear spray. Three individuals were observed outside the residence including Justin Dore and Jane Doe.

Doe told the officer that Dore is her boyfriend and is abusive. Doe reported three separate incidents that occurred on June 21, 23, and 27, 2022.

On June 21, 2022, Dore demanded to see Doe’s phone. Dore chased Doe down the hallway and tackled her. Dore took the SIM card from Doe’s phone and when she asked for it back, Dore hit her in the face with a closed fist.

On June 23, 2022, Dore picked Doe up from work and they began to argue. When they arrived at the residence, Dore ripped Doe’s paper purse in half. Dore then grabbed Doe, turned her around, grabbed her throat with one hand, and covered her nose and mouth with the other hand.

Doe went downstairs to get away from Dore. Dore again grabbed Doe with his hand and covered her nose and mouth. Doe reported she was unable to breathe, and this incident lasted longer than the first strangulation.

Dore eventually let go of Doe and told her to leave. Doe gathered her belongings, and Dore pushed her to the ground. Doe was on her back on the floor and Dore put his foot on her chest and applied pressure. Dore then got down on Doe’s level and put his hand over her nose and mouth again. Doe indicated the entire incident lasted approximately 10-15 minutes.

Doe then described the most recent incident, on June 27, 2022. Dore pushed Doe to the ground and covered her nose and mouth again. As Dore put his hand over Doe’s mouth and nose, she could not breathe.

Later that night, Doe’s friend and Dore argued. Doe’s friend brandished a can of bear spray. Doe believed that when Dore tried to grab the can of bear spray, it was sprayed in the living room. Shortly before this incident, Doe had called 911. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold explains.

“911 received an open line 911 call where the dispatcher could hear a victim in distress and someone trying to tell the dispatcher bear spray was sprayed in the house,” Arnold said. “On scene, officers located Dore and the victim. The officers collected a preliminary statement regarding the incident and placed Dore under arrest. The victim was provided with service and information regarding services for domestic violence.”

Dore is currently being charged with felony strangulation, felony Partner or Family Member Assault, and misdemeanor PFMA. According to court documents, Dore has a prior conviction for PFMA.

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