Stolen Backpack Leads to Car Theft Chaos in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On December 9, 2024, at around 4:40 PM, John Doe called 9-1-1 to report that his 1998 Honda Accord was stolen. An officer spoke with Doe who stated he parked his vehicle on Catlin Street, between S. 4th and S. 5th St. He was away from his vehicle for approximately an hour and a half before he returned to the parking spot and saw the vehicle was missing.  

While speaking with Doe, other officers located the stolen vehicle outside the Poverello Center. 39-year-old Austin Merrick was in the driver’s seat. Then an officer went to the Poverello to speak with Merrick.  

Merrick stated that earlier in the day an unknown male approached him to state that Merrick’s stolen backpack was in a silver car parked near the Town and Country Lounge. Merrick did not explain who this unknown male was or how the male knew Merrick recently had his backpack stolen.  

Merrick also stated the unknown male gave him permission to drive the vehicle, while acknowledging the unknown male did not own the vehicle. Merrick went to the vehicle, confirmed his backpack was inside, got in, and drove off. Merrick originally planned on driving up to Hot Springs to see his mother. He said his mother told him to stay at the Poverello.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

According to court documents, Merrick is currently on felony supervision out of Flathead County. On November 18, 2024, Judge Marks issued a $50,000 arrest warrant due to Merrick’s absconding. Further, Merrick has a pending felony matter in Missoula County, which contains a single charge of Sexual Intercourse Without Consent. 

Merrick was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony theft of property of a light vehicle. 

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