Wheelchair-bound Man Attacked With Bear Spray in Missoula
Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 12th, 2025, Missoula Police Department officers responded to the Poverello Center for a reported physical disturbance that had just occurred. The reporting party advised that a male was spraying another male with bear spray in the parking lot. The suspect, later identified as 34-year-old Thomas Lozeau, was described as wearing a red shirt, black jacket, and had long curly hair.
An officer arrived on scene and observed Thomas. The officer exited his patrol vehicle and immediately ordered Thomas to stop walking and to show his hands. Thomas ignored those commands, kept his head low, and pointed to the ground as he walked away.
After other officers arrived, Thomas finally dropped to his knees and lay flat on his stomach. Then Thomas was taken to a nearby patrol vehicle where he was searched incident to arrest. During the search, the officer located a safety cap in his pocket. Officers recognized this safety cap to be a component commonly found on bear spray cans.
Officer Locates the Victim
Another officer was able to locate the victim, whom he recognized from a prior interaction and who is identified herein as John Doe. Doe was lying on the ground and writhing in pain. The officer attempted to take a statement from him but was unsuccessful.
The officer observed that Doe's face was very red and covered with an excessive amount of tears and mucus. Based on training and experience with pepper spray, which has similar effects to bear spray, it appeared to the officer that Doe had been sprayed with an aerosolized irritant. Doe is wheelchair-bound and missing both of his legs.
The officer spoke with a witness who said that Doe and Thomas were arguing back and forth. She said that Thomas said something to the effect of, "I'll beat you up right here," before producing a can of bear spray and spraying Doe in the face. She said Thomas briefly walked away, then turned back, and while Doe was on the ground, sprayed him again. Thomas then fled the scene.
Officer Reviews Surveillance Video
An officer went inside the Poverello and reviewed a portion of the surveillance footage. While watching the footage, the officer observed Thomas clearly spray the victim in the face twice with what appeared to be a can of bear spray.
READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports
Thomas was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon, resisting arrest, and obstructing a peace officer. His bond was set at $25,000.
The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.
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Gallery Credit: Andrew Lisa