Missing Missoula Woman Escapes From River Camp Hostage Situation

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 30, 2025, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to a call for service for a missing person, Jane Doe. The officer checked the Poverello and the hospitals and was unable to find Doe. On October 1, 2025, the officer was contacted by St. Patrick Hospital, stating that Doe had just walked into the emergency room and had stated she had been held hostage and had just escaped.  

The officer responded to an Emergency Room and met with Doe. Doe was noticeably shaking, and her left hand appeared swollen. Doe complained of pain in her left hand, right arm, and right shoulder. It was later confirmed that Doe’s left hand was fractured. Doe stated she had left the YWCA, where she had been staying, to cash a $170 check.

Doe stated she spent $40 of the money and was riding the bus back to the YWCA. Doe reported that her ex-husband, 53-year-old Leslie Lambert, had gotten on the bus and taken the seat behind Doe. Doe reported that Lambert took physical control of her arm and made Doe get off the bus and onto a different bus. Doe said the bus stopped at the Albertsons on E. Broadway.  

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Doe was Physically Kept at the Camp 

Doe reported that Lambert brought her to his camp, along the south side of the river. Doe stated Lambert would physically keep her at the camp by hitting and kicking Doe. Doe reported that Lambert refused to let her drink water and was trying to force her to drink alcohol. According to court documents, Lambert also took the $130 in cash from Doe, as well as her cell phone.  

Doe reported that Lambert talked about and showed her pictures of a black 9 mm handgun, but that Doe had never personally seen the gun in Lambert’s possession. Doe reported a history of domestic violence and that she had not seen Lambert in eight years. Doe reported she had come to Missoula in late May and that her photograph may have been put on social media, and that is how Lambert knew she was here.  

Doe stated she did not know how long she had been at the camp, but that Lambert had recently left for an unknown reason. While Lambert was away, Doe heard a passerby and called for help. An unknown female came to the camp and helped Doe to the nearby Albertsons, and from there, Doe walked to St. Patrick Hospital. 

After confirmation that Doe’s hand was broken, the officer documented Doe’s other injuries, which included swelling on the left side of her face and bruising on her right forearm. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

An Officer Locates Lambert 

On October 3, 2025, another officer observed Lambert riding a bicycle on the sidewalk of the 500 block of W. Broadway. The officer engaged her emergency lights and approached Lambert, confirming his identity. Then the officer arrested Lambert and transported him to the Missoula County Detention Center. 

Lambert is currently being charged with felony aggravated kidnapping, and his bond was set at $50,000. 

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