Wanted Man Arrested for Drugs After Standoff With Missoula Police

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 26, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer responded to Otis Street after receiving information that 26-year-old David Compton was expected to be in the area. The officer knew Compton had an active arrest warrant and was informed that he had a pop-up camper parked in the 1100 block of Otis Street and was driving a small black passenger car. 

The officer reviewed multiple previous booking photos of Compton and confirmed he was on felony probation. Shortly after arriving, the officer observed a small black car driving westbound on Otis, where it parked approximately one block west of a pop-up camper. The officer approached the camper and another officer approached the car to verify if there were any additional passengers. 

Officers then approached the camper and observed someone moving inside. The officer announced herself and told Compton that he was under arrest. The officer instructed Compton to exit the camper multiple times, but Compton did not comply and remained in the camper. The officer asked additional units to respond to assist in apprehending Compton.  

After additional officers arrived, Compton was given at least five more sets of exit commands. After approximately 15 minutes, Compton exited the camper and complied with officers’ commands. Compton was handcuffed and escorted to a patrol car for transport. Compton stated no one else was in the camper and acknowledged the camper belonged to him. The officer contacted Probation and Parole who requested the officer conduct a search of the vehicle and camper. 

Officers Search the Camper and Car 

Officers seized the following items from the camper: one clear glass container with a cork lid containing a clear crystal-like substance, one clear glass container with a cork lid containing a clear crystal-like substance with burnt residue, two rolls of tinfoil, one Mandalorian smoking device with burnt residue, one baby bottle smoking device with burnt residue, multiple pieces of rubber tubing with burnt residue, six small clear plastic bags with crystal-like residue, one zippered bag with crystal-like residue, one marijuana dispensary bag with crystal-like residue, and loose clear-crystal like substance with burnt residue.  

A search of the vehicle Compton arrived in revealed the following: a small digital scale with a clear crystal-like residue, one Ruger LCP 380 handgun, two six-round 380 magazines, and nine 380 rounds of ammunition.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

According to court documents, the officer utilized the TruNarc device to test the clear crystal-like substance in the clear glass container with a cork lid. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine and weighed approximately 5.4 grams. 

Compton is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing a peace officer. 

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