Man Chokes Officer, Gets Tased at the Missoula County Fair

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 1, 2026, around 8:31 PM, two Missoula Police Department Officers were assigned to work an outside hire event at the Missoula County Fair. They were approached by a citizen who reported concern about the erratic behavior of a male who was reportedly walking around barefoot while carrying a hydrogen peroxide bottle and stated to the male, “I’m gonna f***in' smack you” before walking away. The citizen also stated the male was drinking from the hydrogen peroxide bottle.  

Officer 1 followed the suspect male as he walked towards the ice rink before tapping the male on the shoulder. The male, later identified as 33-year-old James Payne, immediately turned around and, in a joking tone, asked if the officers were real cops and what their “deal” was. Officer 1 asked Payne for identification. Payne stated he did not have any and again asked what the deal was and what he was doing wrong. Officer 1 explained the complaint he had received, and Payne cut him off and stated, “that’s a lie,” and then stated officers had a lot of surveillance on him and a lot of drones.  

Officer 1 explained that the male was being detained while officers investigated the previously reported conduct. Officer 1 asked the male for his identification. The male stated he had his identification on him and stated he did not need to give it to Officer 1. Officer 1 noted the male was getting more and more agitated and was starting to attempt to put space between himself and officers.  

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Officer 2 redirected Payne by asking for his name again. Payne provided his name and stated officers may have heard of him, to which Officer 2 stated he had. Officer 2 recognized Payne’s name. Officer 2 knew that Payne had officer safety information regarding him being armed with a firearm, having mental health issues, and a belief that everyone is out to get him. Officer 2 observed Payne reaching into his right pocket, which was a safety concern for both officers.  

Officer 2 told Payne not to reach into his pocket. Both officers then moved in the direction of Payne to restrain him. As officers made contact, Payne quickly and forcefully pulled his arms away. Officer 1 attempted to gain control of Payne’s arms as he tried to get away. While trying to hold onto Payne’s arm, Officer 1 attempted a leg sweep to bring Payne to the ground.  

While the leg sweep was occurring, Payne placed his right arm around the back of Officer 2’s neck, and all three went to the ground. While on the ground, Officer 2 felt Payne pressing down and beginning to squeeze his neck with his arm. Officer 2 ordered Payne to stop resisting and to let go of him, but Payne did not comply. Officer 2 then delivered two closed fist strikes to Payne’s face. Payne then recoiled and released pressure from Officer 2’s neck. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Officer 1 pointed his taser at Payne and heard multiple people warn him he was going to get tased. Payne continued to forcefully resist officers. Officer 1 then discharged a probe into Payne’s upper back area and then one into the back of Payne's thigh to complete the electrical circuit required. Payne then relaxed enough and was able to be placed into handcuffs. Payne was then transported to St. Patrick Hospital for medical clearance and was then transported to jail. 

Payne is currently being charged with felony attempted aggravated assault, felony attempted assault on a peace officer, 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.