Missoula Woman Punches and Kicks Officer During Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 27, 2026, numerous Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to a residence on South 8th Street. The complainant said a female had been yelling, using profane language, and threatening other residents. This was the second time he contacted dispatch due to the female. The female was identified as 51-year-old Laura Barthrop.  

Officers noted this was the fourth call this day regarding Barthrop. Medical staff arrived and Barthrop was verbally abusive towards them. Ultimately, Barthrop was cited for disorderly conduct for that event. The second incident involved law enforcement removing Barthrop from the property of Sentinel High School due to Barthrop’s behaviors. The third incident involved law enforcement being called to remove Barthrop from the Mountain Line Transfer Center after Barthrop got into the caller’s face, but Barthrop left before law enforcement responded.  

An officer arrived at the residence and could hear Barthrop yelling from inside her residence. Barthrop stepped outside and was speaking incoherently before complaining about being served an eviction notice by her landlord. Given the prior law enforcement contacts throughout the day, Barthrop’s continued disorderly behaviors, including making threats and using profane language towards her neighbors, the officer decided to arrest Barthrop for disorderly conduct.  

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The officer grabbed Barthrop’s right arm. Another officer attempted to gain control of Barthrop’s left arm, which was holding the doorframe. Then Barthrop hit the officer in the face area with a closed fist. Officers were able to get Barthrop from the door frame and attempted to get her into handcuffs. Barthrop continually and constantly resisted, including kicking towards officers. The officers requested backup and asked them to bring the WRAP restraint.  

While waiting for additional officers, Barthrop continued to try and kick at the officers. At one point, Barthrop struck the same officer in the leg. Barthrop continued to resist having handcuffs placed on her wrists. Additional law enforcement arrived and were able to eventually get Barthrop into the WRAP restraint successfully. Barthrop continued to yell threatening and profane language towards officers. Barthrop was then placed in a patrol vehicle and later transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Barthrop is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace officer, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. 

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