Missoula Police Probe Nervous Driver, Find Hidden Items

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 8, 2024, shortly after midnight, a Missoula Police Department officer observed a vehicle pull into a parking lot from Grant Creek Road. The vehicle turned into an empty lot, which was a dead end, before turning around and continuing north onto Stockyard Road. The officer followed the vehicle and again observed it turn into a parking lot, without using its turn signal. The officer initiated a traffic stop shortly thereafter.  

The officer approached the vehicle and found the driver to be sweating profusely. Then the officer observed the passenger, 46-year-old Nathan Dehnhoff, trying to conceal something.  

The officer told the driver why he was stopped and asked for his documentation. The driver stated he did not have any of the requested documentation. Around this time, another officer responded to assist. He went to the front passenger window and asked Dehnhoff what he was manipulating. Dehnhoff stated he had a knife.  

While standing outside the passenger window, the officer observed a small crumpled up piece of tinfoil in the passenger front door handle and in the pocket behind the front passenger seat. The officer recognized these items as potential drug paraphernalia.  

Then officers learned that the driver and Dehnhoff were both on probation. An officer contacted the on-call probation officer, who requested a search be done of the vehicle and both occupants. While searching the front passenger side floorboard, the officer located a small semi-hard shell case, which was zipped shut. The case was lying on the floorboard directly beneath where Dehnhoff’s calves were while he was seated. The officer recognized the item, based on his training and experience, to be consistent with a “drug kit.”  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The officer opened the case and found four syringes, one of which contained methamphetamine. The officer also found a piece of foam that was cut out in the shape of a glass bulbous pipe and several other pieces of tin foil. 

According to court documents, Dehnhoff admitted the “kit” was his, but mentioned he found it in a dumpster and had not opened it yet. However, Dehnhoff did confirm he was in sole possession of the kit. 

Dehnhoff was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and a probation violation. His bond was set at $22,000.

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