Man Uses a Pipe to Break Into a Missoula Apartment

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On December 2, 2023, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to some apartments located on Cedar Street. Upon arrival, the owner advised that an individual was found in a residence and was refusing to leave. The officer entered the residence and observed 66-year-old Paul Mollica. After apprehending Mollica, the officer observed that the window to the room was broken and that wooden boards were lying on the ground.

The officer spoke to the owner who advised that the window was still intact the night before. The owner stated that the upstairs tenant also advised the window was recently broken. According to the owner, Mollica took items from the refrigerator and “trashed everything.”

The owner said there was some garbage in a bag ready to go to the dump, but that was all strewn throughout the residence now. The owner said she was notified of the break-in when one of her tenants was picking up some trash cans outside of the residence and observed the broken window.

Get our free mobile app

The officer noted that right outside the broken window was a sign clearly stating, “Private Property No Trespassing.” The officer, with the help of the owner, was able to determine that Mollica used some trash cans located outside the broken window to gain entry into the residence.

Mollica was mirandized and agreed to speak to law enforcement. According to court documents, Mollica admitted he broke the window using a pipe. Mollica further admitted he tipped over the trash cans outside in order to get to the window. The owner advised it would likely cost around $500 to fix the window and she would need to hire a contractor to clean up the residence.

Mollica was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony burglary. On December 4, 2023, Mollica made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $10,000.

On September 5, 2023, Mollica was charged with felony assault with a weapon for stabbing a woman's tent with a metal pole.

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