Man Threatens People With a Gun at the Missoula Shelter

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On December 15, 2022, at approximately 11 a.m., Missoula Police Department officers responded to a report of a male with a handgun threatening people at the Johnson Street Shelter.

Shelter staff relayed information from other residents that a male with a red bandana had brandished a black handgun and pointed it at residents while making threats.  

Officers Reviewed Video Surveillance

A video of the incident showed a male with a yellow sweatshirt and red bandana who appeared to be agitated and arguing with another male in the parking lot. The male pulled up his sweatshirt to expose a handgun that was concealed. The male retreated to a black passenger car and opened the door, but did not get in.  

Then male then walked back to the male he was arguing with. In the video, his head and shoulders are visible, but his hands and lower body are blocked by a Porta Potty. The male reached into the area of his waistband where the gun was observed. After a few moments, he returned to the vehicle and left with a female and another male. 

Victim Explains What Happened

The male victim reported that the male had been trash-talking homeless people. Without any warning, the victim said the male pulled out a gun and threatened to kill him. The victim said the male “cocked” the gun, meaning racking the slide back to insert a bullet into the chamber, and pointed it at him. The victim reported that the male also said “I’ll f*****g kill you”. 

Two other individuals reported to police that the same male threatened them with a gun at the Poverello Center a week before. They said the handgun looked very similar to the one they were threatened with and that the male was the same person. The male was identified as 33-year-old Charles Grabert. 

The Chase is On

At approximately 11:07, an officer observed a passenger car at Russell and South 3rd Street West. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold picks up the story. 

“Officers located the vehicle and observed a male driver matching Grabert’s description,” Arnold said. “The officer initiated a traffic stop and the vehicle failed to yield. The pursuit went at a high rate of speed on icy streets and onto the Milwaukee bike path, endangering pedestrians and bikers. Grabert was seen running from the vehicles. Officers located Grabert and he was taken into custody.” 

Court documents indicate Grabert complained of medical problems and was transported to a local hospital. On the way to the hospital, he said he had smoked methamphetamine earlier in the day, was disoriented, and appeared unable to hold his head up. He was cleared at the hospital and booked in jail.  

Grabert made comments about wanting an attorney and was not questioned. The weapon was not found outside the vehicle or on Grabert’s person. Officers applied for a warrant to search the vehicle. 

Grabert is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon, felony unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted person, and fleeing from or eluding a peace officer. On December 16, 2022, Grabert made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bail was set at $250,000. 

On March 30, 2022, Grabert was charged with assault with a weapon, assault on a peace officer, and escape.

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