Man Arrested for Knife Threats at the Missoula Public Library

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 6:49 a.m. on September 29, 2025, a Missoula Police Department Officer responded to a reported incident in the 300 block of E. Main St. Reports indicated that a male was screaming obscenities towards the Missoula Public Library. The officer arrived and observed a male pointing up the staircase on the west side of the building and gesturing to this area.

The male, later identified as 51-year-old Neal Lynch, said that a male towards the top of the stairs was threatening to shoot him with a gun. The officer observed a male, John Doe, standing at the top of the staircase. The officer went up the staircase and approached Doe. Doe’s hands were clearly empty. The officer conducted a pat-down search of Doe and could not feel anything resembling a weapon.

The officer then spoke with Doe and a female witness. They advised that Lynch had thrown a chair at a window and punched it. The officer observed smudges on the window consistent with this account, but no substantial damage.  

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Lynch Threatened to “Cut” Doe 

The witness stated that Lynch had followed Doe around the building and argued with him. They said Lynch threatened to “cut” Doe. Doe stated that Lynch pulled out a pocket knife, pointed it at Doe, and waved it around. Doe stated that he believed that Lynch actually would stab him based on the way that Lynch was acting. Doe provided a description of the knife.  

The officer asked Lynch about the interaction. Lynch stated that Doe and the witness were part of a group of “goons” and were following him around. He said he was banging on the window to get the library staff’s attention. Lynch admitted to pulling out a knife. Lynch was placed under arrest. The officer located a pocket knife on Lynch’s person, which matched Does’ description.

This case was filed directly to District Court. Lynch does not have prior felony convictions, and his criminal history notes two failures to appear in Ravalli County cases in 2023. According to court documents, the offense described above involves unprovoked or minimally provoked violent threats with a weapon against a stranger, which occurred in a public place, suggesting danger to the community. The State recommended that bond be set in the amount of $10,000. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Lynch is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon and disorderly conduct. 

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