Robbery Suspect Attacks Missoula Grocery Store Employee

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 13, 2024, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to a local grocery store for a possible robbery. The 911 caller was an employee of the store and stated a male had “got physical” during a shoplifting. When officers arrived on the scene, the suspect had left the area. An officer met with two employees and obtained brief statements from them.  

The first employee told the officer he had just arrived for his night shift and observed the suspect male sitting in the “deli area” with a cart full of groceries. When he observed this, he then observed the male walk to the self-checkout stands that were closed for business. When this occurred, the male grabbed multiple grocery bags from the self-checkout and then returned to his shopping cart of groceries.  

After the male returned, he then began to bag the items from the cart into the bags as if he had just purchased them. The employee said he began to stand by the doorway because he believed the male was committing a theft. The employee further informed the officer that after the male bagged all the groceries, he loaded them into a cart and began to walk out of the store.  

The Suspect Refuses to Provide a Receipt 

As this occurred, the employee asked the suspect male if he could provide a receipt. The male then replied saying he had one but would not show the employee. The employee said the male then gathered his bags and began walking out of the store.  

When this occurred, the employee followed and informed the male if he could not produce a receipt he would be trespassed from the store. The male then continued to state he was going to sue the employee. The second employee, John Doe, then arrived to assist. 

Doe told the officer he began filming the male to capture his identity. When this occurred, the male became irate and told Doe he was going to sue him if he continued to film. Doe then attempted to capture an image of the male for the store’s records. When this occurred, the male turned towards Doe, threw an energy drink onto the ground, stated he was going to “kick his a**”, and then advanced toward Doe.  

The video then ends, however, Doe said when the male suspect advanced towards him he quickly put his phone in his pocket to prepare to defend himself. As this occurred the suspect pushed Doe. Doe said the push was “solid” and was not a “get away from me push”.  

Officers Locate the Suspect 

The male suspect was located near the intersection of Briggs Street and Gharrett Street. He was found to be in possession of multiple grocery bags at the time of his arrest. When placed in a patrol vehicle, the male refused to answer questions without an attorney present. He further refused to provide his name. He was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. While at the jail, officers found a pipe used for consuming dangerous drugs in the male’s backpack. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

An officer gathered the grocery bags and returned back to the store. Doe was able to scan all of the stolen items, which totaled $63.64. After photos were taken, Employees disposed of the food as it was unable to be re-sold. The nonperishable items were later logged into evidence. 

The male was identified as 37-year-old Charles Allin. Allin is currently being charged with felony robbery and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.  

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