Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 29, 2025, Missoula Police Department Officers responded to the Red Lion on W Broadway Street for a report of an assault. The 911 caller reported that someone had shoplifted from his place of employment, Yoke’s Fresh Market, and then tried to attack him.  

An officer arrived and spoke with the caller, John Doe. Doe stated the suspect had filled a shopping basket with various merchandise from Yoke's, walked out of the store with the basket, and failed to stop to pay at any point of sale. Doe followed the suspect out of the store and told him that he needed the basket back.  

Doe saw that the suspect hid the basket behind a corner in the Red Lion parking lot. Doe then picked up the basket and began walking back toward Yoke's. During this time, Doe reported that he called his manager to update him on what had occurred. It was at this time that the suspect turned around and started running at Doe.  

Doe said the suspect grabbed him and the basket. Doe attempted to wrestle the suspect off of himself. At this time, the manager said he had gotten in his vehicle and started to drive toward the Red Lion to help Doe. En route, he observed Doe walking back and also observed the suspect charging at Doe from behind.  

The manager saw the suspect grab Doe, so he got out of his vehicle and grabbed and tripped the suspect in defense of Doe. The manager reported the suspect was “circling” both he and Doe as if he was going to charge them again. The suspect then ran across the street and headed towards the river.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

During this same time, officers located the suspect hiding under the bridge. Officers issued verbal commands, that were initially ignored, but the suspect eventually complied and lowered himself down from underneath the bridge.  

According to court documents, the suspect was later identified as 32-year-old Aaron Dale. Upon being advised of his Miranda rights, Dale made several admissions to being the person involved in a disturbance at Yoke’s, although he claimed to have paid for the items. 

Dale was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with robbery and his bond was set at $50,000. 

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

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