Assault at the Missoula Shelter Leads to Drug Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 31, 2024, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to a reported assault at the Johnson Street Warming Shelter. Dispatch advised that 23-year-old Jake Red Tomahawk had assaulted a staff member while trying to gain access to the shelter.  

The officer was aware that Tomahawk has gang affiliations and is known to carry firearms. The officer responded to the shelter and searched for Tomahawk, but was ultimately unable to find him in the area. Then the officer drove to nearby gas stations and casinos to search for Tomahawk. 

Officer Attempts to Locate the Suspect

The officer approached a gas station on Brooks Street and observed a vehicle parked in one of the parking spots. The officer observed a male sitting in the passenger seat that matched the description of Tomahawk. The vehicle began to move and the officer noticed that it did not have a front license plate. The officer conducted a stop and confirmed that the passenger was Tomahawk. Another officer removed Tomahawk from the vehicle and questioned him about the reported assault.  

An officer walked over to the passenger side of the vehicle and saw, in plain view, a Fentanyl pill wrapped in clear plastic inside the passenger door compartment. The officer asked the driver for permission to retrieve the pill, which the driver granted. The driver told the officer that he cleaned his vehicle out earlier that day and denied using Fentanyl. The driver confirmed the only other person who was in the car since it was cleaned was Tomahawk. 

The Officer Finds More Items in the Vehicle

The officer asked for consent to search the car, which the driver granted. The officer found a firearm with multiple magazines of ammunition in the glove box. Tomahawk said he bought the gun for $350 because he was “ripped off” by someone during a drug deal a few weeks ago. It was later determined by law enforcement that the gun was reported as stolen.  

According to court documents, Tomahawk said the Fentanyl was in the vehicle because he took a backpack belonging to another individual, which contained drugs. Tomahawk further advised that the individual who owned the backpack was in possession of several Fentanyl pills. 

Tomahawk was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. On February 1, 2024, Tomahawk made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $20,000. 

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