People Are Seen Passing Around A Backpack Containing Meth, Missoula Police Make One Arrest

Just before 10:00 p.m. on Monday, Missoula Police received a call that there was suspicious activity taking place in the 1500 block of South 14^th Street. Missoula Police Public Information Officer Travis Welsh explains.

“A complainant passed on that they were observing a group of people standing together that didn’t seem to belong to the area,” said Welsh. “They were standing near a dumpster and were seen passing a backpack back and forth. It was also reported that a couple people in the group appeared to be acting as look outs and the complainant felt that this was suspicious.”

Welsh says officers responded to the area hoping to locate a group, but all they found was one female.

“They identified her as 37-year-old Deva Crystal Hartsoe,” Welsh said. “They learned that Hartsoe was on probation and she was also in possession of this backpack that was seen. The probation officer authorized a search of the pack and a white crystal substance was located that later tested positive for methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia.”

According to Welsh, Hartsoe was arrested for probation violation and criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Police have increased patrol in the area in an effort to locate the other individuals that may have been involved.