Man Threatens to ‘Kill’ Missoula Officers During DUI Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 7, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to the YWCA for a person who “trashed the lobby on the way out.” The officer arrived on the scene and spoke to a YWCA staff member who said a male, later identified as 32-year-old Ross McDonell, appeared drunk and began to “kick” the computer equipment off the desk. The officer observed a destroyed computer monitor, printer, and a computer that was disconnected. The YWCA staff member watched McDonell leave the scene in an older Subaru. 

During the early morning hours of January 8, 2024, the staff member contacted law enforcement and said McDonell had just returned to the YWCA. Officers arrived on the scene and observed McDonell in the driver’s seat of the Subaru with the vehicle still running. Officers had McDonell exit the vehicle.  

The Officer Begins a DUI Investigation 

While speaking to McDonell, an officer observed him slurring his words as he spoke, had a dazed expression, and his eyes were watery and bloodshot. The officer further noted the strong smell of alcohol emanating from McDonell.  

The officer asked McDonell how much he had to drink and McDonell responded saying nothing, claiming the odor was emanating from the officer. The officer explained why he responded to the area and McDonell spontaneously uttered, “I broke the f**k out of that place. I did.” McDonell also admitted that he did not have a driver’s license. 

The officer conducted the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and McDonell indicated six out of six clues of impairment on the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, eight out of eight clues of impairment on the Walk and Turn, and refused to do the One Leg Stand. The officer began to read the Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test, but McDonell refused. 

McDonell Threatens Officers 

According to court documents, the officer noticed a shift in McDonell’s mood when he realized he would be arrested. McDonell then began threatening to “beat the f**k” out of the officers and he was subsequently arrested. 

While being transported to the jail, McDonell continually threatened to “kill” the officer. On the way to St. Patrick’s Hospital for a blood draw, McDonell again threatened to harm and kill officers. While being placed in the restraint chair to obtain the blood sample safely, McDonell continued to threaten the officers with threats of harm and/or death.  

Eventually, McDonell was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with two counts of felony threats/improper influence in official and political matters, criminal mischief, DUI, and driving without a license. 

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