Missoula Man Shatters Officer’s Nose at the Jail

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 21, 2026, at approximately 9:37 PM, Missoula Police Department Officers responded to a report of Disorderly Conduct at a local restaurant. Dispatch noted that a disgruntled employee who had been let go from employment became “aggressive and hostile” while in the restaurant, throwing items in the dish pit. The male suspect, who was later identified as 26-year-old Jason Vader, had since left the restaurant, and his location was unknown.

A short time later, an officer observed Vader on the northeast corner of Higgins and Broadway. When Vader saw the patrol vehicle, he yelled and gave the officer the middle finger with both of his hands. The officer approached Vader, who appeared very agitated, hostile, and impaired. Vader slurred his words and seemed to be under the influence of an unknown substance. 

Another officer advised Vader that they were investigating a Disorderly Conduct and believed he was the male suspect. The officer gave Vader a lawful order to provide his name. Vader continued to argue, stating he did not commit a crime, and it was only a work argument. The officer advised Vader that if he did not provide his name, he would be committing the arrestable offense of Obstructing. Vader still refused.  

Get our free mobile app

One officer secured Vader’s left arm while the other secured his right arm, but Vader actively pulled away. He was advised multiple times that he was under arrest and to stop resisting. Vader became more aggressive with his movements. The officer forced Vader into the side of a building in an attempt to restrict his movements and minimize any possible injuries to Vader or officers, but Vader continued to fight and pull away. The decision was made to force Vader to the ground. An officer secured his left arm while the other placed handcuffs on his wrists.  

Vader was searched incident to arrest, and an officer found a loaded 9mm handgun. Then an officer transported Vader to the Missoula County Detention Facility. The officer heard a detention officer yell from the remand area, followed by a commotion. The officer ran over and observed detention officers fighting with Vader. Then the officer helped them regain control of Vader. 

Then the officer observed a large amount of blood on the floor. Detention officers advised that Vader had punched an officer in the face when they attempted to remove layers of clothing from his body. The detention officer was transported to St. Patrick Hospital because his nose had sustained multiple fractures. The doctor on duty said the officer’s nose was “shattered.” The officer also sustained a chipped tooth from the punch.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Detention Staff alerted an officer that they also discovered what they believed to be Psilocybin (Mushrooms) when conducting a search of Vader’s belongings. 

Vader is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace officer, felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, disorderly conduct, obstructing a peace officer, carrying a concealed weapon while under the influence, and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $50,000. 

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