Police Respond to a Troubling Scene at a Missoula Park

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 16, 2025, Missoula Police Department officers responded to a 911 dispatch at the Southside Lions Park. The 911 caller, a United States Marshals Service Agent, contacted 911 to report a male individual at the park who appeared to be under the influence of an unknown substance. The agent expressed concern for the children's safety in the park and provided a license plate number for a 1999 red Ford Explorer, which was registered to a Zachary.  

Upon his arrival, the officer observed the suspected vehicle parked on Bow Street and noted a male who was standing in the street, who was later identified as 36-year-old Tyler Snyder. The officer made contact with Snyder and observed him quickly begin rummaging around in the trunk.  

The officer informed Snyder that he had been reported as intoxicated and behaving strangely. Snyder then stated he had been eating a salad and folding his clothes, and he rambled about singing. The officer said Snyder made several incoherent statements. 

Get our free mobile app

Then the officer asked Snyder if the vehicle belonged to him, and he affirmed it did. When asked about the vehicle being registered to Zachary, Snyder acknowledged but insisted he had just registered the vehicle under his name.  

The officer found that while speaking with Snyder, Snyder was consistently swaying back and forth, holding exaggerated facial expressions, contorting his body, pushing his cheeks out with his tongue, constantly changing the position of his arms, and providing nonsensical responses to basic questions. Based on his training and experience, the officer found Snyder’s behavior indicative of Snyder possibly being under the influence of methamphetamine or another stimulant.  

Then the officer was informed Snyder was on probation. The officer spoke with the on-call probation officer, who said they were not aware of the residential address Snyder provided, nor that he had purchased a car. Probation then requested a search of Snyder’s vehicle. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

During the search, officers discovered drug paraphernalia and suspected fentanyl. Snyder was taken to jail for a probation violation. Snyder was searched incident to arrest, and an officer located a prescription bottle. After Snyder was secured in the back seat, the officer opened the prescription bottle and found a small baggie of methamphetamine. 

Snyder is currently being charged with two counts of felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. His bond was set at $25,000. 

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