Woman Interferes in Investigation, Kicks Officer in the Knee

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 9, 2023, a Missoula Police Department officer conducted a DUI and hit-and-run investigation of a female. The female had a passenger with her who was identified as 53-year-old Tina Avery. The officer noted that Avery seemed heavily intoxicated and was belligerent.

Avery was also argumentative during the officer’s investigation and refused verbal commands to step away. Other law enforcement officers arrived on the scene to assist and observed that Avery was belligerent, uncooperative, and resisted efforts to control her movements.

Another officer spoke with Avery who advised they had been in an accident but were being set up. The officer advised Avery of her Miranda rights. Avery then began interfering with another officer’s attempts to speak with the female by telling her not to cooperate. An officer attempted to escort Avery away so that she would not interfere with the other officer’s investigation.

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However, Avery pulled away from the officer. The officer told Avery she was being detained and told her to stop resisting. According to court documents, Avery then used force to pull her wrists away and attempted to turn toward the officer as he tried to place her under arrest.

The officer was eventually able to place Avery under arrest, but Avery tensed her body and pushed away from the patrol car to avoid going in the back seat. Avery proceeded to kick the officer twice in the left knee, causing pain. Avery also allegedly made several statements to the officer implying that she knew a Sheriff, could escape from handcuffs, and knew where law enforcement kept their handcuff keys in patrol vehicles.

Avery is currently being charged with felony assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, and obstructing a peace officer.

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