Two Men Stole Chainsaws From Work Trucks in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 23, 2025, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy responded to a report of a theft from a vehicle at the Motel 6 near the Wye. The deputy reviewed surveillance video, which depicted a passenger car stopping behind a white work van. 

Two males get out of the passenger car and stand near the van. One of the men used the ladder on the back of the van to climb on top of it. He used a cutting wheel and then bolt cutters or a pry bar to open a large storage hatch on the top of the van. 

After gaining access to the storage compartment, the male appears to lift out chainsaws and hands them down to the side of the van to the other male. The male gets down, enters the passenger car, and exits the parking lot.  

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An Employee Said 10 Chainsaws Were Stolen

A deputy spoke with an employee who reported that there were 10 Stihl model 500 chainsaws in the storage compartment that were all taken. The deputy learned that each chainsaw was valued at $1,700.  

On August 25, a MCSO sergeant was approached by a male at the Muralt’s Travel Plaza at the Wye. The male reported that he observed several locks cut off a “bed cap” on one of the work vehicles. He noticed that three Husqvarna chainsaws and a red metal gas can were missing. 

A detective was assigned follow up on these stolen items. The detective reviewed surveillance video, took several screenshots, and circulated those within his agency, MPD, and the jail. The detective received several responses identifying the men as 47-year-old Nathan Denhoff and 34-year-old Brian Thompson.  

Then the detective contacted a pawn shop regarding items pawned by Thompson and Dehnhoff. The detective was informed that Thompson pawned a Stihl Model 500i chainsaw on August 23 for $250. 

Thompson is Arrested But Agrees to Speak

A short time later, the detective found Thomspon’s vehicle, and a traffic stop was conducted on Highway 200. Thompson was advised that he was under arrest, and he was taken into custody.  

According to court documents, Thompson admitted that he and Dehnhoff stole chainsaws from the white van. Thompson said he was only the driver, and Dehnhoff was the person who planned the theft. Thompson said he was just helping a friend.  

Then the detective asked Thompson about the second theft. Thompson paused for a moment and admitted they also took three Husqvarna chainsaws from some other truck. Thompson said Dehnhoff gave him one saw for being the driver, which he pawned, and the others were taken to Denhoff’s camper on North 2nd Street.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Later that day, the detective and probation contacted Dehnhoff at his 5th wheel. Dehnhoff initially denied knowing anything, but then admitted to taking the saws. Dehnhoff said it was Thompson’s idea. Denhoff was arrested. 

Denhoff and Thompson are both currently being charged with felony accountability for theft and accountability for criminal mischief. Denhoff’s bond was set at $75,000.  

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