Man Threatens to ‘Put a Bullet’ in a Missoula Officer’s Head

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 9, 2023, a Missoula Police Department Officer responded to the area of Silver Park to assist another officer with a male suspect who had an outstanding warrant. When the officer arrived, he noticed the other officer had handcuffed the male who was later identified as 48-year-old Todd Spence. 

The officer also observed a tent nearby that was occupied. While the officer attempted to make contact with the occupant of the tent, Spence became extremely agitated and began yelling at him. The officers secured Spence in the backseat of a patrol vehicle and then conversed with the occupant of the tent. 

While in the patrol vehicle, Spence began kicking the cage and door and continued to escalate despite the officer’s warnings to stop. Spence continually told the officer that his arrest was unlawful and the warrant was “bulls**t,” and that his rights were being violated. 

The officer explained to Spence that a judge was available to see him on his warrant and transported him to jail. According to court documents, Spence became very agitated about going to jail instead of going to see the judge and stated, “I’m going to put a bullet in your head.”  

When the officer questioned Spence about the comment, Spence denied it and stated he instead told the officer to put a bullet in [the officer’s] head. Based on his training and experience, the officer believed Spence was attempting to influence his decision to take him to jail to be seen before a judge on his warrant, and that the threat was an attempt to change the officer’s decision so that he would potentially be released sooner. 

Spence is currently being charged with felony threats/improper influence in official and political matters. On May 10, 2023, Spence made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $500. 

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