Road Rage in Missoula: Man Shoots at a Car on Brooks Street

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 25, 2025, multiple Missoula Police Department Officers responded to the area of Tyler Way and Allomont Drive following a 911 call reporting that a male in a white Ford Escape had discharged a handgun at the complainant’s vehicle, a 1999 Jeep Cherokee.  

The reporting parties, R.H. and L.H., explained to an officer what occurred. R.H. and L.H. had been at the emergency room in St. Patrick’s hospital because R.H. had fallen off a ladder earlier in the day. Following R.H.’s discharge, the couple went to Taco Bell to get food.  

While getting their food in the drive-thru, the couple noticed a white Ford Escape with a “40-day” temporary tag in front of them. The Escape also bore a “baby on board” sticker. As R.H. and L.H. exited the drive-thru, the Escape pulled onto Brooks Street and was driving in the left lane at approximately 15 miles per hour. R.H. and L.H. were also driving on Brooks Street and passed the Escape using the right lane while traveling at the speed limit, before getting back into the left turn lane. 

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Bullets Were Discharged 

The Escape pulled up next to R.H. and L.H., who noticed that the driver, later identified as 32-year-old Joshua Johnson, was staring at them. Johnson made a comment to R.H. and L.H. about having a baby in the car before producing a handgun and beginning to discharge bullets. R.H. and L.H. heard the bullets hit their car.  

After recovering from their shock, the couple decided to follow Johnson’s vehicle so they could try to get a license plate. The couple ultimately lost the vehicle as it drove south toward Lolo. 

A Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy discovered the vehicle near Tyler Way and Allomont Drive, driving toward him. The deputy conducted a high-risk traffic stop and gave commands to the occupants to exit the vehicle. Johnson did so and approached the deputy. The deputy placed Johnson into custody to mitigate any unnecessary risk to the infant in the vehicle or the other passenger.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Deputy Finds a Pepper Ball Gun 

Another deputy conducted a search incident to arrest, which revealed a pepper spray bottle, and Johnson stated he had a pepper ball gun inside his vehicle. After being placed under Miranda, Johnson explained that he and his girlfriend were delivering Door Dash and the Jeep Cherokee driven by R.H. and L.H. was tailgating and honking at him.  

Johnson explained that a verbal altercation occurred at the stoplight about each other’s driving. Johnson then described how he used “less lethal”, which he “shouldn’t have”, before invoking his right to remain silent. 

Johnson was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon. According to jail records, Johnson was released at 4:00 PM that day. 

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