Robbery Unfolds Right Outside the Missoula Courthouse During Trial

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The Missoula County Attorney’s Office filed 12 new felony complaints this week, which is five fewer than last week and less than the weekly average. According to County Attorney Matt Jennings, there were seven violent crimes, two endangerment crimes, and three property crimes. 

“There were a couple of guys who robbed a construction site,” Jennings said. “Some of the violent crimes that we had this week, sadly, were at fishing access sites, and one was at a campground. We really hate to see that because recreation is such a huge and integral part of the Missoula experience, but we are glad our law enforcement is responding quickly as people are trying to remain safe.” 

Jennings said a man grabbed a black pump-style shotgun from his truck and fired several rounds near three people. He was allegedly arguing with them about where their fishing nets were. 

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READ MORE: Missoula Man Arrested After Firing Shots Near Fishermen

“We just want people in the community know that our office always recommends bail for folks like this if they're involved in firearm violence, but ultimately release conditions are always set by the court and we'll do anything that we can to make sure that we protect the community from people that are not being safe out there,” Jennings said. 

Jennings also mentioned a “humorous” incident that occurred this week. 

“We had a jury trial last Friday in Justice Court and in the middle of trial, one of the jurors was sort of gaping with his chin on the floor, and they had to pause the trial because there was a robbery taking place across the street that moved across Broadway and onto the courthouse lawn,” Jennings said. "The individual stole a skateboard from another person. They got in a fight over it, and that person was running away bleeding while law enforcement officers apprehended him on the courthouse lawn while the jury and everybody in the courtroom were watching from the courtroom.” 

READ MORE: Missoula Man Arrested After Bloody Struggle

Jennings added that it is never a dull day at the Missoula County Courthouse. 

The Missoula County Attorney’s Office provides a weekly crime report every Friday morning at 9:00 on Talk Back. You can listen to Jennings’ full report below: