Trespassing Man Caught With Stolen Firearms in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On December 13, 2024, a male reported the theft of a Smith and Wesson pistol, a Dead Air Mask suppressor (also called a silencer), Crossfire binoculars, a First Lite gray jacket, and some other miscellaneous items from his vehicle. He said the items were stolen sometime in the night. The total value of the items is slightly less than $1500.  

On December 16, 2024, Missoula Police Department officers responded to a report of trespassing and suspicious activity on Sussex Ave. The 911 caller reported that there was a male in the alley looking like he was trying to hide. Upon arrival, officers found a male on his knees face down to the ground on private property.  

Officers identified themselves and observed a knife on the male’s right side. Officers identified the male from previous booking photos as 33-year-old Andrew Ross. They told him to not reach for the knife. An officer went to remove the knife, but Ross swung his right hand abruptly towards it. Officers held Ross’s right arm to stop him from reaching for the knife, but Ross tensed up and tried to pull away.  

While Ross was twisting, his coat came open and an officer saw a gun in a holster in his front waistband. An officer removed the gun and secured it. Ross was handcuffed and detained for officer safety while they investigated the trespass. An officer patted Ross down and located another gun in his coat pocket and secured it along with a suppressor (silencer) for the handgun.  

Ross was then searched incident to arrest. There were multiple knives found on his person. One of the guns was run through dispatch and returned as the stolen Smith and Wesson. The suppressor was also the silencer that was stolen. Ross was also wearing the stolen gray First Lite jacket. The other firearm returned clear and was not on file.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

While standing there, Ross said he found the guns on the ground. Ross would not answer when read Miranda. He had pinpoint pupils and disoriented speech. A small bag of methamphetamine was located on his person. Ross also had a pawn sale slip. The pawned item was similar to the binoculars that were reported stolen.  

Ross is listed as on conditional discharge from probation. He is currently being charged with felony possession of a silencer, felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal trespass to property, resisting arrest, and theft. His bond was set at $50,000. 

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