Stargazing in Missoula Turns Dangerous When a Camper Pulls a Gun

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 2, 2026, John Doe drove his girlfriend, Jane Doe, and his two dogs to the vicinity of Crystal Creek and Deer Creek to watch the stars and spend an evening together. 68 year-old William Best was camped near this location. As the couple sat in John’s truck, Best approached them and asked if they wanted to come to his camp for some food. Best was a stranger to the couple, so John and Jane declined.

Best asked John to be introduced to Jane and he came around the passenger side of the car. Jane became uncomfortable and rolled up her window. This upset Best. John asked Best to leave. Best began to walk away, but then placed his hand on a handgun on his hip. John told Best to remove his hand from the gun. Best drew a stainless snub-nosed revolver and fired a round into the road in front of John’s truck. John believed that at this moment, he and Jane were going to be shot.  

Jane recorded much of the incident on her mobile phone. The video shows Best firing his gun into the ground with smoke emitting from the firearm. As Best walked away, he turned and pointed the gun at John and Jane multiple times. They leaned over inside the truck to avoid being shot. Best walked away from the pickup, accompanied by a younger man.

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Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputies located Best’s camp nearby. Best was so impaired that he failed to hear their commands and directives as he slept. Deputies utilized a flashbang device to wake Best. Officers seized a .22 caliber handgun capable of holding seven cartridges. The cylinder contained six cartridges and one spent casing consistent with the statement provided by John and Jane.  

Under Miranda, Best admitted that he fired his .22 caliber revolver into the ground after talking to John and Jane. Best admitted that he asked to be introduced to Jane. He stated that his intention was to offer her some chocolate. He stated that they rolled their window up and began digging around in the cab of the truck. He stated that he believed that they were reaching for a firearm so he started to walk away but fired a round into the ground. He stated that he went straight back to his camp and did not point a firearm at anyone.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Best was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with two counts of felony assault with a weapon, and his bond was set at $500,000. 

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