Man Caught Shoplifting Again in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 9, 2024, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Corporal was dispatched to Travel America for a report of shoplifting. It was reported that the suspect had been living in his car in the parking lot for two days and just walked in and stole several items from Travel America.

The suspect was discovered to be 34-year-old Luke Charlton. A MCSO Sergeant spoke with employees who reported Charlton came into the store, gathered several items, and proceeded to walk out without paying.  

As Charlton exited the store, he held up a pack of Red Bull and said something to the effect of “Put in on Dave’s tab.” It was determined later in the investigation that Charlton had been permanently trespassed from Travel America.

As the sergeant exited Travel America, he observed Charlton becoming uncooperative with the corporal. Charlton repeatedly tried to walk away from the corporal. The corporal attempted to grab Charlton to keep him from walking away, but Charlton pulled away.  

The corporal and Charlton ended up on the ground in the parking lot. Charlton pulled his hands under him and refused to cooperate. Ultimately, the sergeant and corporal freed Charlton’s hands and placed him in handcuffs.  

While being searched for weapons, Charlton continued to be verbally uncooperative and refused to provide his name. According to court documents, Charlton had dropped several items on the ground. The items included two hooded sweatshirts, a t-shirt, two pairs of gloves, and a white cowboy hat. All the items still had price tags on them. The sergeant determined the items came from Love’s Travel Stop. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

A Love’s assistant manager confirmed the items came from Love’s and confirmed Charlton had been in the store earlier. In total, Charlton stole $281.39 worth of merchandise from Love’s Travel Stop and $32.95 from Travel America. Court documents indicate Charlton has seven failures to appear and numerous resisting arrests and failures to comply with previous sentences. 

Charlton was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony burglary, theft, resisting arrest, and obstructing.  

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