Missoula Trespasser Swings a Rock at an Officer’s Face

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 22, 2026, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to respond to the Albertsons on East Broadway for a female who was trespassing and refusing to leave. An assistant manager said that the female, 25-year-old Marcella Black Dog, had been trespassed from the property since July 7, 2026. Then the manager said Marcella had left the property and was heading towards the bus stop.  

The officer arrived in the area and observed Marcella walking by the Travelodge Inn. The officer pulled into the parking lot to speak with Marcella. Marcella looked at the officer and continued to walk away. The officer parked his patrol vehicle and ordered Marcella to come over to him multiple times. Marcella refused and ran away.  

The officer got back into his patrol vehicle and caught up with Marcella in front of the McDonald’s. The officer exited his patrol vehicle, commanded Marcella to stop, and told her that she was under arrest. Marcella responded, “No.” 

Attempts to Arrest: Confrontation Ensues

The officer got close to Marcella to take her into custody. Marcella then turned towards the officer and raised her right hand above and behind her head, appearing to intend to strike the officer. Marcella’s arm came forward towards the officer, but the officer blocked the strike and grabbed Marcella’s wrist. Marcella had a large rock in her hand.  

Due to the attempted assault, the officer conducted a leg sweep, and Marcella fell to the ground. The officer attempted to place Marcella in handcuffs, and she dropped the rock. Marcella rotated onto her back and continued striking at the officer’s head and face. Given Marcella had already attempted to assault the officer, the officer delivered a closed-fist strike towards Marcella’s face in an attempt to gain compliance, but this failed.  

Marcella was given commands to put her hands behind her back and that she was under arrest. Marcella responded, “nope . . . get off of me . . . [and] I have every right to be on the property, dummy.” Marcella continued to attempt to strike the officer’s face, but the attempts were blocked. The officer estimated Marcella attempted to strike him three to six times during the struggle. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Tensions Rise: Physical Struggle and Resistance

The officer was able to eventually pin Marcella’s hands behind her head. Another officer arrived and took control of Marcella’s legs. While this occurred, Marcella grabbed the officer’s ring and pinky fingers and started pulling them backwards, causing the officer pain. The officer was able to then overpower Marcella’s attempts to bend his fingers and apply pressure back, causing Marcella to stop. Marcella was then placed into handcuffs and arrested.  

An officer determined Marcella would need to be medically cleared at St. Patrick Hospital prior to incarceration. According to court documents, Marcella admitted to using methamphetamine in the last day and said she consumed a “pint” of Vodka. After being medically cleared, Marcella was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. 

Marcella is currently being charged with two counts of felony attempted assault on a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer, and trespass to property. Her bond was set at $5,000. 

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