Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On December 20, 2024, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to River Road regarding a report that adults were in a van smoking something out of a pipe with children walking nearby.  

Officers arrived and contacted a male in the driver’s seat, a female in the front passenger seat (who was later released from the scene), and a male in the back who was later identified as Aaron Saathoff.  

The officer observed a purple bag in the driver’s lap and could smell marijuana. The officer asked the driver to see the pipe in his possession and recognized it as a marijuana pipe. The driver provided a false date of birth and a false name. Despite numerous attempts, the driver continued to provide a false name.

 

Based on his inability to identify the driver, the officer detained him and patted him down. During the pat-down, the officer found a syringe. After finally identifying the driver, officers learned he had three active warrants for his arrest.  

While the officer was working with the driver, another officer contacted Saathoff in the back of the van. Saathoff also provided a false name before finally identifying himself correctly. Saathoff said he was the owner of the van and initially gave consent to search before then saying, “I’d rather you not.”  

The officer asked for clarification based on the conflicting answers and Saathoff spontaneously gave consent for the search and said he took responsibility for the contents in the car.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The officer opened the purple bag and saw an unused needle, a metal spoon, multiple pens, and a clear plastic baggie of methamphetamine. Saathoff said he did not recognize the bag. When asked whether there were additional narcotics, Saathoff said that he had placed something in a cooler near where he was sitting. The officer found a small clear plastic baggie of methamphetamine. Under Miranda, Saathoff said the purple bag was not his, but that he had placed the methamphetamine into the cooler.  

Saathoff 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 and obstructing a peace officer.  

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

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