Man Hits Missoula Motel Employee in the Head With a White Claw

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 3, 2025, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to a motel for a report of an assault involving a weapon. An officer responded and observed the suspect who was later identified as 42-year-old Paul Kreiner. Kreiner was walking near the sidewalk, waving his arms and screaming. The officer pulled into a parking spot ahead of Kreiner, exited his patrol car, and attempted to contact him.

Kreiner quickly jumped onto his bicycle and began to pedal away from the officer. The officer drew his firearm and shouted for Kreiner to show his hands. Kreiner responded “shut the f**k up” as he continued pedaling at a rapid rate.

Another officer began to pursue Kreiner with his lights and sirens activated. The officer began yelling “stop, police”, but Kreiner continued riding his bicycle without stopping. At one point, Kreiner fell to the ground. The officer exited his patrol vehicle, unholstered his firearm, and yelled for Kreiner to “get on the ground.” Kreiner did not remain on the ground and quickly got to his feet.

The officer continued to give Kreiner commands not to move. Kreiner continued to disregard the officer’s commands and picked his bike back up. The officer believed Kreiner was again planning to flee. The officer pushed Kreiner backwards, causing him to fall. Then the officer placed Kreiner in handcuffs. A search incident to arrest revealed a small amount of meth in Kreiner’s pocket.

During this time, other officers were dispatched to speak to witnesses about the assault that occurred at the motel. John Doe appeared frazzled when speaking with the officer. Doe stated he had been struck in the side of the face, causing pain. Doe said he saw Kreiner earlier on the motel property and informed him that there was a curfew for guests and that he could not be on- site. Doe stated he later observed Kreiner along the balcony and believed he went into a room.

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports

Doe said he and another employee went up to the balcony and began checking rooms. Doe discovered that Kreiner had gone into room #219, which was being rented by someone else. After confronting Kreiner, he charged the other employee and body checked him. The Kreiner went after Doe. Doe said he was struck in the head with a beer can multiple times and was subsequently punched by Kreiner.

An officer was informed that Kreiner was in possession of a large 16-oz White Claw can that was left behind. The officer collected the can and noted it appeared crumpled at the bottom as if it had hit something very hard.

Kreiner is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon, felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, and assault.

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