Missoula Man Fires ‘Warning Shot’ at His Baton-Wielding Attacker

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 10, 2026, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was dispatched to a report of a disturbance at the intersection of Oak Ln. and Elm Dr. in Seeley Lake. The report was made by an uninvolved party, and a second 911 call was placed by John Doe. The first caller reported hearing gunshots on behalf of her roommate. Doe reported a male, later identified as Josh Stevenson, was coming at him with a metal club.  

While responding, Doe reported he fired a “warning shot” into the ground to prevent Stevenson from continuing. Once on scene, the deputy was then made aware of where Stevenson was, and he was placed in handcuffs, given that it was unknown where the weapon was. Stevenson then stated, “he tried to shoot me.” Stevenson was patted down for weapons, at which time a collapsible metal baton was removed from his pocket.  

Doe told the officer where the firearm was, and the officer secured it. Doe told the deputy that he and another male were driving down the road when Doe stated, “This guy is on our a**.” Doe stated he did not know who the individual was, but believed the male was trying to push them off the road. 

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When their vehicle stopped, Stevenson jumped out, and it was then that Doe recognized him. Doe reported Stevenson had a metal baton and was yelling, “I’m gonna beat your a**.” Doe said Stevenson was running at him, and that is when he ran to get a gun. Doe said he went for the gun because he wasn’t going to let Stevenson hit him with the baton. Doe then reported retrieving the gun and firing a round into the ground. Doe stated he never pointed the gun at Stevenson and had no intention of shooting Stevenson. Doe described feeling scared when Stevenson was coming at him with the baton.  

Then the deputy spoke with the male who was with Doe. He said the issue was between himself and Stevenson because his son owed Stevenson $200. Stevenson was read his Miranda rights and agreed to speak. Stevenson stated he was hurting for money and claimed the money was over a bike. According to court documents, Stevenson stated he was in the wrong and that he shouldn’t have come over and caused a scene. Stevenson reiterated that he was in the wrong and let his anger get the best of him.  

The deputy confirmed that Stevenson brought the baton out without the presence of a gun. When asked what Stevenson’s intent was, he stated, “I guess just to scare him.” Stevenson stated he shouldn’t have done it, that he saw what was wrong and regretted it. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Stevenson was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon. 

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