Off-Duty Sheriff’s Deputy Helps Arrest Car Thief in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 6, 2023, at approximately 4:06 a.m., a woman was outside her home when she observed a male, later identified as Josiah Boushie, access a vehicle.

According to court documents, Josiah then walked to the next vehicle, opened the driver’s side door, and shuffled around. The witness said Josiah then closed the door in a quiet, deceiving manner. She believed this male was vehicle prowling. 

 Unfortunately for Josiah, the witness's spouse is an off-duty Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy and this occurred in front of their home. The deputy exited his house and announced himself as law enforcement to Josiah. Josiah turned and began running away.  

The deputy chased Josiah and physically tackled him, but Josiah still attempted to get away. The deputy handcuffed Josiah as another deputy arrived. The witness also identified a handbag on the ground that Josiah dropped while running away.  

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The on-duty deputy observed dome lights on in one of the cars Josiah accessed. The car was registered to a person with a nearby address. The deputy left a note on the car for the owner to contact him. 

The on-duty deputy went to the second vehicle and noticed items spread all around. The registered owner explained that the handbag that Josiah had was hers and it consisted of various items totaling approximately $2000. The owner said a pair of her Oakley sunglasses were broken and valued at approximately $200.  

The last vehicle’s door was slightly open and the owner said they did not observe anything missing. 

 Court documents indicate Josiah is currently on parole for robbery, theft, and criminal possession with intent to distribute. Josiah is currently being charged with felony theft, criminal mischief, and three counts of criminal trespass to vehicles. 

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