Woman Steals Tips in Missoula, Punches Employee in the Face

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 17, 2026, a Missoula Police Department Officer responded to a call for service for a robbery at Deano’s. The reporting party said someone had stolen money from the tip jar and punched an employee in the face. While en-route, the officer was informed that the female fled the scene in a silver Chevy Blazer.  

Upon arrival, the officer met with two Subway employees. One informed the officer that the suspect had taken approximately $12.00 in tips. The officer spoke with the other employee, who pointed to her bottom lip and identified that as one place where she was hit. The officer observed what appeared to be a split in her bottom lip. Additionally, the employee stated her ears were ringing.  

The manager provided several videos and still images of the woman. Officers identified the woman as 38-year-old Rechelle Williams. An officer said Williams was suspected of stealing money from a tip jar at another establishment recently, too. 

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The officer was then shown a video of the incident, which depicted Williams entering the Subway, throwing punches in the air while walking towards the cash register. Williams is then seen reaching into the tip jar and taking possession of the money within. Williams then begins walking towards the exit. Williams is then depicted pushing a male in line, in the back.  

The employee is then seen coming from behind the counter, where she grabs Williams in an attempt to retrieve the money. Williams shrugs off the employee, spins around, and hits her with her right elbow. Williams is then depicted throwing several wild punches at the employee. 

Another officer and an Operations Manager reviewed surveillance footage from outside the store. Williams is observed parking and walking inside while pumping her fists in the air. The manager also told the officer that when he received the call regarding the robbery, he was at Dave’s Hot Chicken. The manager informed the Dave’s Hot Chicken worker of what happened, and the worker told him that the same thing had happened to them the previous night and described the same female suspect.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Nearly an hour later, an officer told officers that he was with Williams at the Poverello Center. The officer noted that Williams’s breath smelled of alcohol. The officer informed Williams that she was permanently trespassed from the Subway, and she did not question the trespass. Williams was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. She is currently being charged with felony robbery.  

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