Missoula Police Respond to Incident on Johnson Street

(UPDATE - November 29 at 7:53 p.m.)

According to the Missoula Police Department, the incident has been resolved on Johnson Street. Police Public Lydia Arnold said the suspect male has been taken into custody and is being transported to a local hospital for treatment.

“The police presence will be breaking down and roads will open up to normal traffic patterns shortly,” Arnold said. “The investigation will be continued by Missoula Police Department’s Detective Division.”

(Fifth Report - November 29 at 6:14 p.m.)

According to Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold, the Missoula Police Department has been on the scene for a barricaded subject in the 2300 block of Johnson St. since 11:30 a.m. on November 29, 2022.

"A police presence remains on the scene with all efforts focusing on resolving the issue safely for those involved, those on the scene, the immediate area, and our entire community," Arnold said. "ln the early morning hours of November 28th, 2022, Missoula Police officers responded to the 2100 block of S. 13th St. West in Missoula, Montana for a report that someone had been shot. Upon responding, police officers spoke to a male resident who identified himself to officers as the person who fired the shot."

Arnold said the male who had been shot fled the scene on foot prior to law enforcement's arrival.

"An eyewitness to the incident was interviewed as well and provided identification of the male who was shot," Arnold said. "The male victim who had fired a shot was transported to the hospital due to his head injury and was subsequently questioned and released from law enforcement. During the morning of November 28, 2022, Missoula Police Department Detectives responded to the incident address, spoke to the victim male, and processed the scene. The investigation confirmed the male identified by the eyewitness was the correct suspect male and had been shot in the abdomen."

According to Arnold, Missoula Police Officers and Detectives learned the suspect was likely at an address in the 2300 block of Johnson Street.

"Due to the suspect needing immediate medical attention and probable cause to arrest for Assault with a Weapon, an arrest warrant was obtained," Arnold said. "The Missoula Police Department SWAT team was deployed to take the suspect into custody. This is still an active scene and additional investigation will be conducted by the Missoula Police Department Detective Division."

KGVO will provide a final update when the situation is resolved.

(Fourth Report - November 29 at 3:50 p.m.)

According to MPD, roads are still closed. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold said efforts and attempts are being made to negotiate and have this incident resolved peacefully.

"We have a perimeter set in place," Arnold said. "Many onlookers have gathered and we understand that people want to know what is going on in their community. If you are looking on please let the first responders continue to focus on the scene. Our main goal is to resolve this safely for those involved, those responding, and our entire community.

More details will be shared as they become publicly available."

(Third Report - November 29 at 3:05 p.m.)

The Missoula Police Department reported that they are still on the scene. According to Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold, South is still closed between Garfield and Kemp.

"Johnson is still closed between Central and the mall entrance," Arnold said. "Negotiators, SWAT, and patrol are working to resolve the scene at hand in a safe and peaceful manner for those involved, those on scene, those in the immediate area, and our community at large."

Arnold also said this is not a hostage situation and the Johnson Street Shelter is not involved in this incident.

(Second Report - November 29 at 1:23 p.m.)

Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold provided the following update:

There is still a large police presence in the area. Johnson is blocked between Central Avenue and South Avenue. Police are on the scene for a barricaded subject. Our main goal is to resolve the situation peacefully and safely. The tactical and negotiator teams have been activated.

(First Report - November 29 at 12:19 p.m.)

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On November 29, 2022, the Missoula Police Department announced that they responded to a situation on Johnson Street. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold provided the following statement:

"There is a police presence in the 2300 block of Johnson Street for an ongoing investigation," Arnold said. "Some surrounding roads are blocked. Expect traffic detours. When additional investigation details are available they will be provided. Please give the first responders on scene the ability to conduct their investigation in a safe manner for everyone involved."

KGVO will provide more information when it becomes available.