Missoula Man Spits on Teenagers, Threatens Them With a Knife

At around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to the intersection of Hickory and River Street. It was reported that a male was threatening pedestrians with a knife around that area. Detectives interviewed the pedestrians, who were four boys ranging in age from 16 to 19 years old.

One of the pedestrians, identified as A.M, said he was playing a game with his brother when a male with a leashed pit-bull walked up to them and spat in their direction. A.M. saw the spit land between his brother’s legs. A.M. asked the male why he spat at them and the male replied by spitting in A.M.’s face.

A.M. then informed the male he was going to call the cops. The male replied by taking out a knife and stating, “I’m going to stab you.” One of the other four boys also heard the male say “I will end you.” Detective Lieutenant Eddie McLean explains.

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“The complaint was walking with his brother and they walked by a male who spat on both of them,” McLean said. “The suspect then produced a knife and threatened the complainant. The suspect was identified as 31-year-old Craig Headdress. He was subsequently located near the intersection of Hickory and River Street. He was completely uncooperative with officers. He refused all commands and consistently stated he wasn’t going to jail. His behavior and statements clearly indicated he wasn’t going to be arrested willingly.”

McLean said Headdress eventually retreated into his vehicle, against explicit officer instruction.

“Due to him being armed and confrontational, the decision was made to request assistance from our tactical team,” McLean said. “After approximately 45 minutes, Headdress did exit his vehicle and surrendered to police without injury. He was arrested for assault with a weapon and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility.”

Headdress is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon, assault, and obstructing a peace officer.

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