Missoula Police Officer’s Encounter With Transient Trespassers

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 26, 2025, at 10:42 AM, a Missoula Police Department Officer arrived at a building in the 1800 block of Kensington Ave for a person to be removed call. The caller told the officer that transient individuals sometimes stay on the property. When the officer arrived, he informed the suspect that he was trespassed and that he would return to check the area later to make sure he left.  

At approximately 2:52 PM, the officer returned and noticed two individuals leaning against the east side of the building with their heads under a black blanket. The individuals under the blanket appeared to be additional transients who the original caller also wanted to be removed.  

The officer heard what appeared to be the sparking of a lighter. A female voice stated something to the effect of the shelter being boring. Then the officer observed a cloud of smoke exit the blanket. The officer approached the individuals and identified himself as a police officer.  

The officer removed the blanket from their heads and immediately noticed a tooter straw on the lap of the female. When asked if they were smoking meth, the female advised she didn't have anything. The officer then noticed a male was reaching behind his back with his right hand and still had the blanket on his head. The officer instructed the male to remove the blanket and keep his hands in sight.  

The female identified herself and the male identified himself as 44-year-old David Payne. The officer asked what they were smoking, and the female stated she was using a vape. Payne said he lit a cigarette a while ago. Payne then asked the officer if he could sit up further on the wall, which the officer allowed.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

After concluding a conversation with the female and seizing her tooter straw, the officer instructed Payne to stand up. Based on Payne’s actions of reaching behind his back, as well as his other observations, the officer was concerned that Payne purposefully hid something under his buttocks. As Payne stood, the officer noticed a clear plastic bag of methamphetamine.  

Other officers placed Payne under arrest and transported him to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and obstructing a peace officer. 

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