Missoula SWAT Team Responds to Firearm Disturbance on Mount

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 8, 2024, numerous Missoula Police Department Officers responded to a residence in the 1800 block of Mount Ave. for a reported firearm disturbance. An initial caller stated her next-door neighbor had a gun out and was threatening the neighbors. A second caller reported his neighbor threatened him with a handgun.  

Upon arrival, the suspect, 63-year-old William “Bill” Evans, had already returned to his home. Officers requested that he exit his house. Evans exited his home and ran back inside multiple times. On one occasion, Evans threw a backpack on the curb of Mount Ave before running back inside. Evans continued declining officers’ requests for long enough that a SWAT team was deployed and an armored vehicle arrived on scene. 

An officer spoke with the second caller, John Doe, who stated he was walking down the sidewalk when he saw Evans in the back of a pick-up. Doe said Evans then yelled at him, “I will kill you.” According to Doe, Evans then pointed a firearm directly at him, with a finger on the trigger and eyes locked, before pointing it in the air.  

While the gun was locked onto Doe, Doe stated he was waiting for the bullet. Doe also expressed fear for his neighbors’ safety. Doe approximated Evans was six feet away from him during the gun-related death threat. After the gun was pointed in the air, Doe left the scene and called 911.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

After numerous attempts by law enforcement to persuade Evans to comply, he eventually did and was taken into custody. Later in the investigation, the backpack Evans threw was seized and a warrant was obtained. The backpack contained a 9mm Luger handgun, which contained a chambered round and several more rounds in the magazine, a gun holster, a case of ammo, and a wallet containing Evans’ driver’s license. 

Evans was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon and obstructing a peace officer. His bond was set at $50,000. 

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