Missoula Man Tries to Have Sex With Woman Without Her Consent

At around 11:15 p.m. on Tuesday, a female contacted the Missoula Police Department requesting someone be removed from her residence. The complainant was transferred to 911 dispatch, but reportedly hung up the phone prior to providing additional information. MPD Detective Lieutenant Eddie McLean explains.

“911 dispatch does have a texting capability and that same female was able to text 911 just prior to midnight requesting someone be removed from her residence in the 1300 of Butte Street,” McLean said. “Dispatch contacted the female and learned that a physical altercation had occurred.”

Officers responded, located 35-year-old Nathan Harbison outside the residence, and immediately detained him.

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“It was quickly determined he was the male half involved in that disturbance,” McLean said. “When the investigating officer interviewed the victim, he learned the argument had escalated to a physical disturbance where Harbison reportedly pushed her several times, causing her to fall on to the floor and against the wall.”

Harbison then reportedly attempted to remove the victim’s pants. According to court documents, the victim told police Harbison was able to get her pants down to her mid-thigh before she was able to kick him off her.

“The victim reported being in fear and further believed Harbison was attempting to have sex with her,” McLean said. “When the victim attempted to call 911 on her cell phone, Harbison reportedly threw her phone and then covered her mouth with his hand to prevent her from speaking to 911.”

Officers interviewed Harbison and subsequently arrested him. Harbison admitted to officers that he was attempting to have sex with the victim when he pulled her pants down.

While interviewing the victim, the investigating officer also learned of an assault that occurred on December 27, 2021. The victim said she and Harbison became involved in an argument and she threatened to call her mother or 911. Harbison allegedly took the victim’s phone and hit her in the lip with it. The victim showed officers pictures of her injury.

Harbison is currently being charged with attempted sexual intercourse without consent, partner or family member assault second offense, partner or family member assault third offense, tampering with witnesses, and tampering with a communication device.

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