Missoula Man Hits Two Employees While Attempting to Steal Beer

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 8, 2022, at approximately 9:37 p.m., officers with the Missoula Police Department responded to a casino on West Harrier after receiving a report of a robbery. The suspect male reportedly punched two females while attempting to steal beer and fled the scene in a silver vehicle. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold picks up the story. 

“Ryan Charlo is being held on charges of robbery,” Arnold said. “Officers responded to the casino for an in-progress robbery where a male, Charlo, entered the store and attempted to steal items from the establishment. When confronted, Charlo physically assaulted the person who confronted him.” 

When the officer arrived, he located a large crowd of people standing in front of the casino. He identified the victims as two employees of the casino. They reported that they were outside taking a break when Charlo arrived at the casino. Charlo entered, and one employee went inside to assist him while the other remained outside.  

Charlo went to a cooler and grabbed two packs of beer. Instead of paying for the beer, Charlo went to the front door. The employee inside attempted to stop him, but Charlo pulled free of her grasp and fled outside. The employee outside saw Charlo leaving and attempted to stop him, but Charlo struck her on the arm. The other employee then grabbed Charlo a second time, and Charlo punched her in the face. 

Several people outside the Casino observed the altercation. A male attempted to intervene by tackling Charlo after witnessing him punch the employee in the face. Charlo struggled against the male and threatened to kill him. The male disengaged Charlo. Charlo ran to his vehicle and fled the scene. 

“Charlo was seen leaving the area in a vehicle,” Arnold said. “The caller gave a detailed description of the vehicle and provided the full license plate associated with the vehicle. Later, the vehicle Charlo was in was located. Further investigation was done, including reviewing video surveillance and speaking with the victims and witnesses. Charlo was taken into custody and this case is still under investigation with the Missoula Police Department Detective Division.” 

The surveillance video provided a clear enough image of the suspect’s face that multiple officers identified him as Ryan Charlo. Ryan has had frequent law enforcement contacts involving his silver vehicle.  

Charlo was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. On the way, he became upset and began making comments about “being jumped.” Without prompting from the officer, he asked questions about whether he had hit someone. He also made repeated statements that there was no video surveillance outside to prove he did anything. 

Charlo is currently being charged with one count of felony attempted robbery. On October 11, 2022, Charlo made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court where his bail was set at $75,000. 

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