Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 31, 2023, a Missoula Police Department Office was dispatched to the area of 111 W. Broadway for a robbery that had just occurred. A witness called 911 reporting that his friend had just been beaten up and punched and that his $500 mountain bicycle was stolen. The suspect was described as a tall Native American male, approximately 6', and wearing all black or dark clothing. 

The officer arrived and made contact with the victim’s friend who attempted to chase the suspect down. The friend showed the officer a digital photo he had taken of the suspect. The photo was then sent to another officer who had just initiated a traffic stop of a male who was riding a stolen bicycle that was not equipped with a light. When the officer showed the suspect, 32-year-old Colton Mountain Sheep, that photo, he confirmed that he was the individual in the photo. 

The officer advised Mountain Sheep of the reason for the traffic stop and told him he matched the robbery suspect description given by an eyewitness. Mountain Sheep identified himself and was detained. According to the officer, Mountain Sheep was obviously intoxicated, and he could smell the odor of alcohol from 6 feet away. 

Victim Provides a Statement

Another officer spoke to the victim who gave a statement and asked that charges be brought. He said he sustained painful injuries from the physical assault by Mountain Sheep. The victim said he was drinking and playing pool downtown, but left at approximately 01:30 a.m.  

He said he was walking his bicycle and sat down when Mountain Sheep approached him and hit him approximately three times in his chin and face. The victim told the officer that Mountain Sheep then took possession of his bicycle and rode away.  

Mountain Sheep was placed under arrest and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony robbery. On May 31, 2023, Mountain Sheep made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bail was set at $5,000. 

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

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