Missoula Police Nab Wanted Man After Footbridge Standoff

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 10, 2025, a Missoula Police Department Officer observed 36-year-old Jonathan Mathewson walking towards the bus stop across the street. The officer knew Mathewson had a felony arrest warrant. The officer observed Mathewson walk up to a bicycle, check the tire pressure and the brakes before walking off with the bicycle.  

Mathewson then looked up and saw the officer. Mathewson then got on the bicycle and began riding away through the lawn of an apartment complex. The officer was unable to find him.  

Other officers were advised of Mathewson. One reviewed previous booking photos of Mathewson and further recognized him from recent interactions. That officer observed Mathewson on the California Street footbridge. The officer began yelling for Mathewson, calling him by name and telling him to stop. Mathewson replied by yelling, “F**k no.” The officer continued running after Mathewson and told him to stop, but Mathewson yelled back, “F**k you.” 

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Another Officer Gets Mathewson to Stop 

Another officer observed Mathewson while driving on the trail and towards the footbridge. That officer exited his patrol car and yelled for Mathewson to get off the bicycle. Mathewson initially complied but then became argumentative. The officer pulled his taser and ordered Mathewson to the ground. Mathewson complied and was placed in restraints.  

Mathewson was searched incident to arrest, and officers located 13 Gabapentin on his person, along with a pipe they recognized as a methamphetamine pipe. The officer read Mathewson his rights, and he agreed to speak. When asked about the Gabapentin, Mathewson stated they belonged to his friend and he was holding them for her. Mathewson did not have a prescription for Gabapentin, and the pills were located in a clear bag, not a prescription bottle.  

When asked about the methamphetamine pipe, Mathewson stated he found it, but also stated he was a meth user. In the same bag as the pipe, the officer noted a small plastic baggie with white residue was also located.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Mathewson Claimed the Bike Belonged to His Friend 

According to court documents, Mathewson admitted to fleeing because he was aware of the warrant for his arrest. When asked about the bicycle, Mathewson stated it was his friend’s bike, who let him borrow it in the past, so when he saw the bike at the bus stop, he thought it would be okay for him to take it again. 

Mathewson was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing a peace officer. His bond was set at $15,000. 

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