Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 26, 2023, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to the Poverello Center for a report of person who was stabbed. Dispatch advised the suspect was an African American male in a green hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. Law enforcement arrived and contacted the victim, John Doe, and the suspect, later identified as 31-year-old Paul Binns. 

Officers observed that Doe had blood on his torso and jeans. Officers observed Doe was in a great amount of pain and both Poverello staff and medical were helping Doe with his wounds. Doe was then transported to St. Patrick’s Hospital. 

At the hospital, an officer spoke to Doe. Doe advised that earlier in the day, Binns struck Doe in the shower. Doe stated that after they left the shower, he struck Binns. Doe then advised he was outside and Doe stabbed him in the back but could not recall how many times he was stabbed. 

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Poverello Center Staff Explain What Happened 

Law enforcement interviewed multiple witnesses on scene and reviewed the Poverello’s security footage. A staff member at the Poverello advised law enforcement that she was near the front desk when Binns came up to her asking for a band-aid. His mouth, nose, and right hand were bleeding. While locating a band-aid, Doe approached Binns and then punched him in the face. 

Doe then exited the Cedar Street door. Binns ran out of the West Broadway Street door and ran around the building. The staff member said she watched Binns run up to Doe and get into an altercation. The staff member saw Binns moving his hand up and down in a stabbing motion. The staff member then saw Binns fold up a pocketknife in his hands and place it into his pockets. Another staff member said she observed Binns stab Doe in the back, at least twice. Binns then ran away, and Doe was helped back into the Poverello. 

Officers observed the security footage on scene. According to court documents, the video showed Binns running down the sidewalk on the Cedar Street side towards Doe. As Binns caught up to Doe, Doe fell to the ground as Binns raised his right hand. Officers were able to observe Binns holding a knife in his right hand. Binns and Doe move out of frame, but briefly visible was Binns stabbing Doe in the back in an overhand motion with his right hand. 

Officers Locate Binn and He is Interviewed 

Officers were able to locate and arrest Binns, who was walking eastbound on a sidewalk north of West Broadway Street close to the Poverello Center. Officers observed fresh blood stains on his sweatshirt and fresh blood on his hands. Officers observed cuts on Binns' hands, and he was transported to St. Patrick’s Hospital. Binns was searched incident to arrest, where law enforcement found a black folding knife with blood residue on it, a hairbrush with blood residue on it, and a pair of brass knuckles. 

After Binns was cleared from St. Patrick’s Hospital, he was read his Miranda rights and agreed to speak to a Detective. Binns admitted to punching Doe in the face in the bathroom. About ten minutes later, Binns was told by staff members that he would have to leave. Doe then came and punched Binns later as Binns was gathering his personal belongings to leave the facility.  

Binns stated he became upset after being punched. Binns was removed at the south entrance and Doe was removed at the north entrance. Binns stated he ran around the westside of the facility, caught up to Doe, and intentionally stabbed him a few times in the back and legs. Binns stated he felt Doe was “wrong” for assaulting him in the lobby in retaliation for what happened in the bathroom. 

Binns is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon. On May 30, 2023, Binns made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $25,000. 

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

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