Missoula Camper Called ‘Bear’ Attacks Two With an Ax Handle

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 7, 2025, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Deputy was dispatched to a reported assault that occurred near the 3.5-mile marker on the Kim Williams Trail. The deputy contacted the reporting party, John Doe, who reported that someone named "Bear" had entered his tent and attacked him. Doe’s friend reportedly helped fend off "Bear”. The deputy coordinated to meet the two at the University of Montana.  

At approximately 2:15 PM, the deputy met with the two and collected statements from them separately. According to Doe, he and his friend were in their tent when a nearby camper, known as "Bear," came to their campsite yelling at them about an incident that occurred the previous day. He said "Bear" threatened to hurt them and burn down their tent before leaving.  

Shortly afterward, "Bear" returned with an ax handle, entered their tent, and struck Doe in the head two to three times. Doe managed to grab a stick from inside the tent, striking "Bear" once in the head and jabbing him in the chest. "Bear" then stated he was "done" and left the campsite with blood on his face.  

Doe’s friend shared a very similar statement. He provided the ax handle used by "Bear," which the deputy collected as evidence. The deputy also observed a large swollen bruise on the left side of Doe's face. The deputy told the two to avoid their campsite until a statement could be gathered from "Bear."  

A MCSO Seargent and the deputy continued their investigation by proceeding to Doe and his friend's campsite. The deputy observed a tear in the side of their tent and a trail of tracks with blood leading away from the site. Following the trail, officers located "Bear," who was identified as 58-year-old William Collins, at his campsite. 

According to court documents, Collins had a visible cut on the left side of his face. Collins stated that he had heard from another camper that Doe and Doe’s friend were low on food. Collins said he went to their campsite to offer assistance.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Upon arrival, he claimed that one of them grabbed him, and the other struck him in the head with a stick. Collins denied hitting anyone or fighting back and stated he did not know why he was attacked.  

According to the deputy, the statements from Doe and Doe’s friend were consistent, evidence of their statement was corroborated by the tear in their tent, the bloody tracks leading away from their campsite, and the visible injuries to Doe, show that Collin’s version of events was not plausible.  

Collins was placed under arrest and was transported to the jail without issue. He is currently being charged with felony aggravated burglary.  

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