Man Threatens Missoula Fast Food Employees With a Knife

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Early on November 21st, 2024, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to the Wendy's on Brooks St. for a report of an individual brandishing a knife at the business’s employees. The knife was described as a silver-looking pocket knife and a description of the suspect was provided.  

An officer responded to the scene and spoke to the employees. The first employee said he first interacted with the suspect late the night before when the suspect approached the drive-through window asking for food. The employee and his boss told the suspect he needed to leave the property.  

Later, the employee went outside to have a cigarette break with two other employees. The suspect approached them and was standing about 5 feet away. The employee again advised that the suspect needed to leave. The suspect threatened the employees, reached into his right pocket, and brandished a silver folding knife with the blade exposed.  

According to court documents, the suspect began to posture and said, “You don't know what I will do”. The employee was concerned he would have to take the suspect down to protect the other employees. Two employees said the suspect may have been intoxicated during their interaction.  

While interviews were being conducted, officers were able to locate the suspect, who was later identified as 23-year-old Draco Phillips. Phillips was read his Miranda rights and agreed to speak to law enforcement. He denied brandishing a knife and was searched incident to arrest. Officers located a silver and black utility knife on Phillips. It was located in his right pant pocket.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Phillips was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He's currently being charged with three counts of felony assault with a weapon. Phillips has two pending cases in Montana's 4th Judicial District Court. In both of those matters, he faces charges for assault with a weapon. Given this is his third pending assault with a weapon case this year, the state requested his bail be set in the amount of $150,000. 

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