From Bar to Brawl: The Shocking Assault in Downtown Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 3, 2025, at approximately 2:07 a.m., officers with the Missoula Police Department responded to a downtown bar after receiving a call regarding an assault. Upon arrival, the officers observed a large group of people outside the bar. A male, John Doe, was lying unconscious on the ground while others tended to him. Another male was holding a third male, 39-year-old Shawn Whitegrass, down on the ground. An officer intervened and placed Whitegrass in handcuffs while another officer spoke with the male who was holding Whitegrass down.  

The male said that he and his friends, including Doe, were involved in a verbal argument outside the bar. He said Whitegrass approached the group and interjected himself into the conversation. He was asked to leave but did not. Instead, Whitegrass suddenly struck Doe in the face, causing Doe to fall backwards to the ground. He attempted to stop Whitegrass, so Whitegrass punched him in the face too. He then took Whitegrass to the ground and held him there until law enforcement arrived. The officer observed blood and an injury on the male’s mouth.  

Another witness reported that he observed Whitegrass arguing with several people. Whitegrass then punched Doe, knocking Doe out. He also punched another male and fought with several others before being pinned to the ground. 

Get our free mobile app

Another Witness Explains What Happened

A third witness advised that earlier in the night, the group was inside the bar when Whitegrass began bumping into them while ordering drinks. They asked Whitegrass to stop, and that ended the issue at that time. After the bar closed and everyone went outside, Whitegrass approached the group and “cold cocked” Doe in the face, knocking Doe unconscious. They described the punch as very hard and without warning. They tended to Doe while others pinned Whitegrass to the ground. 

Another officer assisted Doe. He noted that Doe was not fully conscious and had difficulty following directions. The officer learned that when he fell, Doe struck his head on the sidewalk, rendering him fully unconscious for 20-30 seconds. The officer observed a small pool of Doe’s blood on the ground. Medical personnel arrived on scene and transported Doe to the hospital.  

The officer went to the hospital as well. He was advised that Doe had a concussion and a large laceration that required staples to close. At the time the officer drafted his report, Doe was still awaiting CT scan results. Doe could not recall the incident nor provide any information about what occurred during the fight. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Meanwhile, another officer took Whitegrass into custody. He smelled strongly of alcohol and slurred his words when speaking. Whitegrass had blood in his mouth and an injury on his face. After being advised of his rights, Whitegrass stated that people were fighting, so he tried to “correct them.” Whitegrass denied fighting anyone and said, “I was just inside the bar.” 

Then the officer transported Whitegrass to the hospital for medical clearance. There, Whitegrass was loud and belligerent. At some point, a doctor asked Whitegrass, “Did you get knocked out?” According to court documents, Whitegrass responded, “No. I knocked mother f*****s out.” The officer then transported Whitegrass to jail. 

Whitegrass is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment and assault.  

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