Police Recover Stolen Mountain Bike From Tent At Local Park

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 15, 2025, at around 9:00 AM, John Doe filed a report with the Missoula Police Department for the suspected theft of his black Santa Cruz mountain bike with yellow lettering. Doe reported that it was stolen from the corner of South Higgins Avenue and South 3rd Street West.  

He believed the theft occurred between 8:00 PM on July 14 and 9:00 AM on July 15. Doe reported that he had locked the bike up on the street corner near Gild Brewing when it was stolen. Doe estimated the value to be between $1,500-$3,000 used per eBay. 

On July 16, 2025, at approximately 9:30 AM, an officer arrived at Clark Fork Natural Park to assist officers in an unrelated investigation. When the officer arrived, he spoke with several transients at various camps about the theft. While conducting the inquiries, the officer encountered 32-year-old Steven Neff asleep in a tent. 

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Officer Finds the Stolen Bike

Outside the tent, the officer observed a black Santa Cruz mountain bike with yellow lettering that matched the description of the bike that was reported stolen earlier by Doe. The officer seized the bike and placed it in his patrol vehicle. The officer contacted Doe, who sent him a picture of his stolen bike. Upon comparison, the officer confirmed that the bike that was recovered was indeed his.  

Doe also provided video surveillance of the theft. Upon review of the surveillance, the officer observed the suspect wearing blue jeans, light colored Brooks shoes, a white baseball cap with a logo, and an oversized green or gray backpack with a black bottom. Neff was wearing blue jeans, and a pair of light gray Brooks shoes were outside the tent. 

The officer informed Missoula Probation and Parole about the active investigation, and they authorized a search of the tent on their behalf. Inside the tent, the officer found a white flat bill baseball cap with a Raiders logo and the oversized green backpack. Inside, the officer discovered bolt cutters, a metal grinder, and a drill. The officer recognized the metal grinder and drill as items reported stolen in a previous theft from June 29, 2025, that was still under investigation. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Neff was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility without further issue. He is currently being charged with felony theft. His bond was set at $35,000. 

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