Missoula Crime Report: Gangs are Trying to Steals Guns From Cars

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The Missoula County Attorney’s Office filed 18 new felony complaints this week, which is the same as last week and right around the weekly average. County Attorney Matt Jennings provided the report. 

“We only had four violent crimes, and that's actually a pretty nice low number,” Jennings said. “About 50% of the crimes that we charge in a week are usually violent crimes, so it's nice to see that number a little bit lower. We had five endangerment crimes, and this week also included three allegedly felony DUI drivers getting into accidents. That means that they've had four or more DUIs in the past, and they also got into wrecks.” 

Jennings said Montana has done a great job reducing the number of people who get a first DUI or a second DUI, but there is a category of repeat felony DUI offenders who just aren't getting the big picture. 

“We had three property crimes, three drug crimes, and three administrative crimes, which were picking up folks on felony warrants from other jurisdictions,” Jennings said. “Within those four violent crimes, we only had two violent crimes against family members. That's a really great, nice low number because I look back one month ago, and we had 13 domestic violence incidents in one week. Seeing only two this week is a real breath of fresh air.” 

When it comes to property crimes, Jennings said they have been seeing a lot of entry to vehicles lately. 

“We have seen a little bit of gang activity here in Missoula County over the last few months, and one of the ways that some of these organizations start is by trying to steal firearms, usually from vehicles,” Jennings said. “We are seeing an organized and concerted effort of some groups of young men who are going from car to car looking for guns.” 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Jennings urged folks to lock their vehicles. 

“If your gun got stolen and used by somebody else for a crime, you're probably not criminally liable, but you’d sure feel pretty awful if that occurred and you could have avoided it by locking the doors,” Jennings said. “I know that's a change for some folks. When I was young, I rarely locked my car and often left the keys in the ignition. I didn't even lock our front door until I was in my 20s. But times have changed a little bit, and I just really want to encourage your listeners to do that.” 

The Missoula County Attorney’s Office provides a weekly crime report every Friday morning at 9:00 on Talk Back. You can listen to Jennings’ full report below: