Gunfire incidents in Missoula raise safety concerns

MISSOULA, Mont. — Two separate shooting incidents in Missoula this week have prompted residents to question public safety in their community.

One of these incidents occurred early Friday morning near South 13th Street and Kemp Street. Missoula Police are still investigating and searching for an involved party. A local family was startled by the sound of gunfire just before sunrise in the Franklin-to-the-Fort neighborhood. Jason Thomas, a resident, shared his experience.

"Yeah, woke up to probably ten or more gunshots, even just right behind our house. That sounded like in the alleyway, which I think is we've never had that happen before, which is pretty sad. Pretty scary," said Thomas.

Missoula Police Department officers were called to the area shortly around 6:30 a.m. on Friday after reports of shots fired. Upon arrival, they detained two adult men believed to be connected to the incident while detectives investigated further. Whitney Bennett, the Missoula Police Department Public Information Officer, commented on the situation.

"What we have in this situation is there was clearly some kind of altercation between the parties involved and it’s not a random act of violence toward random people," said Bennett.

Police are continuing to interview witnesses and review evidence to identify everyone involved. Despite an early report suggesting someone might have been injured, officers have not confirmed any injuries. Thomas expressed his concerns about the incident.

"It's not a good feeling. You know, we have a one year old and, I mean, sadly, this neighborhood, the Franklin of the fort. Every year you see some kind of or some kind of thing like this, which is just kind of sad because it's just we know a lot of people in the neighborhood," said Thomas.

Missoula Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact them or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers at 406-721-4444.