Missoula Man Punches and Chokes UMPD Officer

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 17, 2025, at approximately 6:10 AM, a University of Montana Police officer was working near the Griz Athletics Practice Bubble. The officer was approached by a male, later identified as 18-year-old Nation Seymour. The officer noted Seymour was initially polite and possibly under the influence of an intoxicating substance because he was having difficulty speaking clearly. Seymour stated he was trying to get back to the “graffiti bridge” and asked the officer for a ride.  

The officer believed Seymour was talking about the California Street Footbridge. He informed Seymour that he would not be able to transport him, but said that the river trail would lead him directly to the bridge. Upon hearing the officer’s declination to transport, Seymour became verbally belligerent, began using profanity, and called the officer racially derogatory names.  

The officer did not engage with Seymour further at this point, but continued to watch as Seymour walked away, eventually stopping near the Montana Recreation Center bike rack. The officer observed Seymour pick up multiple bikes that were locked. The officer re-initiated contact with Seymour as he was approaching a third bike. The officer asked Seymour for his name. Seymour refused to provide his name, was continually verbally belligerent, and requested the officer’s supervisor.  

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Seymour Tries to Run 

Based on Seymour’s refusals to comply and continued confrontational demeanor, the officer moved Seymour to a seated position on his patrol car. Seymour then immediately pulled away from the officer and attempted to run. The officer was able to grab Seymour’s backpack to keep him from running. Once Seymour stopped, he turned and swung at the officer with his right fist, striking the officer on the top of the head, causing pain and injury. 

The officer continued to pursue Seymour and took him to the ground. Once on the ground, Seymour was able to place his right arm around the officer’s neck. Seymour applied pressure to the left side of the officer’s neck by pulling the officer’s head into his chest. The officer was able to tuck his chin and adjust his head position to ease the pressure on his neck.  

The officer commanded Seymour to release his neck multiple times, but Seymour refused to comply. Then the officer applied force with his legs, which pushed the officer’s head into Seymour’s neck and head. Seymour then complied, which allowed the officer to place Seymour in handcuffs.  

The officer then took an inventory of his injuries, finding he had a cut to the bridge of his nose, bruising and abrasions on the top of his head, and pain, stiffness, and bruising to the left side of his neck.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Seymour Continues to be Combative 

While being transported to the jail, Seymour continued being verbally confrontational, using derogatory racial slurs and other profanity. According to court documents, Seymour stated he knew the officer’s name, knew where he lived, and then stated it would take one call and he would have the officer and the officer’s family killed. 

Upon arrival at the jail, Seymour was removed from the booking area and into a secure cell, due to his non-cooperation and his abusive language with detention officers. 

Seymour is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace officer and obstructing a peace officer. 

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