Man Threatens Missoula Officer, Calls Him Racist Names

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 21, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer was called to a disturbance at the intersection of W. Broadway and May Street. Two men were reportedly fighting in the street and both were attempting to hit vehicles as they were passing.  

The officer responded to the incident and found a male standing in the middle of W. Broadway Street. The male did not appear to be trying to cross the street, but rather was yelling at someone from the street. The male was standing in the center turn lane, which prevented eastbound traffic from turning into the Yoke’s parking lot. 

The officer asked the male why he was in the middle of the street. The male did not respond to the question and instead responded with unintelligible yelling. The officer told the male to get out of the street, but the male decided to get into a fighting stance.

At this time, it was clear to the officer that the male was not willing to engage with the officer’s questions. The officer opted to take physical control of the male and pushed him to the ground. The male resisted but the officer eventually was able to place him into handcuffs. 

While the officer was speaking with dispatch, the male stated, “N****r you’re my enemy ‘til the day you die.” The male continued, “I hope you suffer a fate worse than death n***o.” The officer escorted the male to the front of his patrol vehicle and began to search him for weapons. The officer asked the male if he had any weapons on him, to which the male replied, “I hope you suffer ‘til the day you die, you n****r piece of s**t.” “You’re my enemy ‘til the day you die n****r.” 

The officer then transported the male to St. Patrick's Hospital for medical clearance. This was done out of caution due to the officer using force against the male to take him into custody. During the drive, the male repeatedly called the officer “n****r” and “slave.” Given the male’s uncooperative nature, his exam was conducted from within the patrol car.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

While medical staff were talking with the male and checking his vitals, he yelled that his name was Jake Burtosky. A corporal contacted the officer to state that he had dealt with Burtosky yesterday and that Burtosky had threatened to be violent against officers during that interaction. After Burtosky was medically cleared, he was taken to the detention center.  

The officer made particular note of one of Burtosky's statements, as he believed this was made to influence the officer’s decision: “You better release me from this incarceration if you know what’s in your best interest.”

30-year-old Burtosky is currently being charged with felony threats/improper influence in official and political matters and resisting arrest. According to court documents, it should be noted that the officer is in fact African American. 

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