Disturbance With a Gun and Cane Near the POV in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On November 10, 2023, Missoula Police Department Officers were called to the Poverello Center for a disturbance involving a firearm. Several officers responded and began searching the area. One officer observed a male start to run away behind a van in the alley where Pine Street ends. The officer began to pursue the male on foot.  

Another joined in the foot pursuit and observed the male run behind some porta-potties. Not knowing where the involved firearm was, the officer held the male at gunpoint until the other officer was able to secure the male in handcuffs. The male was later identified as 32-year-old Phillip Small-Ray. 

At the conclusion of the preliminary investigation, Phillip was placed under arrest and transported to jail. Once at the jail, Phillip was asked to provide a PBT, due to his apparent intoxication, which registered a .150 BAC. 

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Officers Speak to Witnesses

During this same time, another officer was speaking with the male who called 911. The caller had heard two males yelling at each other. The caller said the male, John Doe, kept telling Phillip to leave and when Phillip continued to refuse to leave, John Doe pulled out a gun and continued to yell for Phillip to get away.  

The caller stated John Doe never pointed the gun at Phillip and never threatened to shoot him, just held the gun. Another officer spoke with an un-involved witness who said he saw some of the incident. He further stated John Doe had done nothing wrong and Phillip was out of control, yelling at people. 

Officers Speak to Victims

The officer next spoke with Jane Doe, who identified herself as Phillip’s ex-girlfriend. Doe stated the entire altercation began when she was in a van across the street with another male. Doe stated Phillip approached the vehicle, wanting Doe to provide him with drugs and when she wouldn’t, Phillip began to get angry and yell. 

Doe stated Phillip then began to swing a black cane, which struck her once and struck the male multiple times. The male stated he had been struck three to four times in the legs, hand, and rib. Doe said Phillip then began to hit the male’s van with the cane, breaking his windshield. Doe reported that while this was occurring, the male went to John Doe for help. John Doe told the male and Jane Doe to go to the back of his vehicle so that they would be safe. 

According to court documents, Phillip Small-Ray is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon, partner or family member assault first offense, and criminal mischief. 

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