Missoula’s Weekly Crime Report: Many Cases Involved Some Form of Violence

The Missoula County Attorney’s Office charged 13 new criminal complaints this week. According to County Attorney Kirsten Pabst there were four cases that involved crimes against people.

“We charged one assault with a weapon case,” Pabst said. “The allegation there was that the defendant attacked a cab driver and shattered one of the windows on the cab. We charged the incident involving the allegation of sexual abuse of children. The defendant was allegedly in the bathroom and had a recording device.”

Pabst said that particular case was sent back for further investigation and she said they plan to re-file it early this week. Her office also filed one criminal endangerment case.

“In that case, the allegation was that the defendant allegedly shot a girl with a paintball gun as she was riding her bicycle,” Pabst said. “There was one theft by embezzlement. The allegation there was that treasurer of a volunteer fire foundation was entrusted with the foundation’s debit card and then used that card for personal transactions, totaling over $4,000.”

In addition, one defendant was charged with theft for taking an acquaintance’s vehicle.

“Another theft case involved a significant amount of merchandise being stolen from Walmart over a course of time,” Pabst said. “One man was charged with burglary and possession of burglary tools for allegedly throwing bolt cutters through a glass door at the Poverello Center. He also allegedly tried to steal a bike that was a few blocks away.”

There were also two new drug cases and one involved possession with intent to sell. Pabst also wanted to mention that they have seen an increase in the number of domestic violence reports. She said victims, especially children, have fewer options right now because of the stay at home order.

“I just wanted to encourage folks to call if you hear anything or see something,” Pabst said. “Check in on your loved ones. I also wanted to give the number for the Missoula YWCA’s hotline just in case anyone is in need of emergency services or housing. That number is 406-542-1944.”