Missoula Crime: Transient Suspect Arrested After Violent Attack

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 24, 2025, a Missoula Police Department Officer responded to a call for service at Shakespeare and Otis St. A male called 911 and reported that John Doe had been assaulted and pepper-sprayed. The officer located Doe and observed that he had snot dripping down his beard, and his eyes were red.  

Doe reported that he had found someone robbing his camp, and the individual pepper-sprayed him and hit him with a club. Doe lifted up his shirt, and the officer observed a large bruise forming on his left ribcage. Doe reported that he did not know the suspect and believed him to be transient. Doe further reported that the male had a methamphetamine pipe in his hand when he walked up to him.  

Doe believed the male stole instant coffee and a portable DVD player. Doe had not yet had time to inventory all the items that may have been taken. Doe explained he was struck by a "sawed-off" baseball bat and believed the male still had the bat when the male left. 

Law Enforcement Locates the Suspect 

A short time later, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputies observed the suspect climbing a hill towards the interstate, near mile marker 104. Deputies exited their vehicle and began walking towards the male, at which time, the male saw the deputies and began running. Deputies yelled at the male to stop, informing him he was under arrest. The male continued to run and then ran down a hill away from the interstate.  

Deputies continued to chase the male and yelled at him to stop. The male jumped a chain-link fence towards an apartment complex. They followed the male over the fence as he ran towards Kennett Ave. Another deputy arrived, drew his firearm, and ordered the male to the ground. According to court documents, the male eventually placed himself on the ground, but not before taking the time to light a cigarette. The male was then taken into custody without further incident and was identified as 35-year-old Dave Fisher.  

The original officer arrived on scene and noted that she recognized Fisher from previous interactions and knew Fisher to have a history of fleeing from officers. Fisher was taken to the detention center. Jail staff conducted a search of Fisher and located a small baggie of methamphetamine inside the upper front pocket of his jacket.  

Detective Searches Fisher’s Backpack 

A detective applied for and was granted a search warrant for Fisher’s backpack, which was seized. Within the backpack, the detective found documents with Fisher’s name on them, two small instant coffee packets, a broken tooter straw, and a large amount of marijuana. 

Fisher is currently being charged with felony robbery, felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, and obstructing a peace officer. His bond was set at $10,000.  

On March 27, 2025, Fisher was charged with felony attempted theft, theft, resisting arrest, obstructing a peace officer, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $25,000. At that time, Fisher was tied to at least three other active investigations of similar behavior in the city of Missoula. 

Read More: Missoula Man Goes on a Stealing Spree, Flees From Police

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