Arrest made in Franklin to the Fort violent crimes in Missoula

UPDATE: June 10 at 6:05 p.m.

Missoula Police with help from the FBI Montana Regional Violent Crimes Task Force said investigators arrested 28-year-old Kyle Johnson in connection with one of the assaults and related crimes reported in the Franklin to the Fort neighborhood during the overnight hours of June 8-9, 2026.

Officials said continued investigative work, added interviews and coordination within the task force led to the arrest. They also said a judge signed search warrants and investigators recovered more evidence tied to the case.

Special Agent in Charge Justin Gerken of the FBI Billings field office pointed to that joint effort.

“The swift identification and arrest of an alleged violent offender demonstrate the value of a coordinated task force response,” said Gerken. “By bringing together the expertise and resources of partner agencies, the FBI’s Montana Regional Violent Crime Task Force was able to work quickly with the Missoula Police Department to protect the public. Our collective focus is, and always will be, the safety of our community.”

Johnson was booked into the Missoula County Detention Facility on charges of aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possession of a stolen firearm and attempted robbery, police said.

Missoula police said the case affected victims and raised concern in the neighborhood. Captain Mike Kamerer also credited officers, detectives and partner agencies for the investigation.

“These incidents had a significant impact on the victims and raised concerns throughout the neighborhood. I want to recognize the work of our patrol officers, detectives and law enforcement partners who dedicated significant time and resources to this investigation. Their coordinated efforts helped us quickly identify the suspect, gather evidence and safely bring a violent individual into custody,” said Kamerer.

MISSOULA, Mont. — Missoula police are investigating two random assaults and two vehicle break-ins in Franklin to the Fort neighborhood overnight June 8-9.

Police said the incidents happened between about 11:15 p.m. and 1:15 a.m. and that the cases might be connected.

A suspect has been described as about 6 feet tall with red hair and a scraggly beard, wearing a green and black plaid jacket and possibly carrying a black backpack.

Police also said the man might have had a rifle, shotgun or another long object.

Residents are asked to check yards and nearby property for any object that could have been used as a weapon. Police said the person may have thrown that item away in the area.

Anyone with footage recorded from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m. is asked to review it for any suspicious persons or activity.

Police urge people not to approach anyone matching the description. They ask anyone who sees that person to call 911 right away and share as much detail as possible, including current clothing and direction of travel.

ORIGINAL COVERAGE: June 9 at 3:45 p.m.