Missoula Police Officer Subdues Man Attempting to Evade Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 8:27 p.m. on August 25, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer responded to a report of two occupants in a parked vehicle who were slumped over and “drooling” in a parking lot on North Reserve Street. The officer arrived on scene and observed a male and female inside the vehicle. 

The officer observed that the male appeared to be attempting to conceal a glass pipe. The officer also noticed what appeared to be a glass “tooter” straw with burnt residue sitting on the center console. The officer told the male to exit the vehicle. Once the male exited, the officer observed what appeared to be a piece of tinfoil with dark residue streaks, which is indicative of fentanyl usage. 

According to court documents, the male provided the officer with a false name but was ultimately identified as 35-year-old Borris Barry. The officer was informed that Barry had a no-bond warrant from probation and parole.  

Barry Attempts to Escape 

The officer instructed Barry to face the patrol car and to place his hands behind his back. The officer attempted to grab one of Barry’s hands, but Barry began to run off. The officer chased Barry and eventually decided to draw his TASER. The officer yelled at Barry to stop and then pointed his activated TASER at Barry’s back. This prompted Barry to stop running. Barry went to the ground and was secured in handcuffs. Upon completion of the search incident to arrest, the officer found a metal “tooter” straw in his pocket as well as eight $100 bills.  

The officer was informed that the female fled the scene. The officer requested that additional units respond to assist in locating the female.  

During a probation search, an officer located a “fix kit” in Barry’s sweatshirt pocket and an additional zip-up bag that was on the seat where Barry was sitting. Inside the bag were several small plastic baggies of blue “M30” fentanyl pills. The officer knows from training and experience that individuals who distribute drugs will often have specific amounts of the substance in each bag in order to sell specific quantities to those who attempt to purchase the drugs.  

Officers Locate the Female 

The officer stopped the search and seized the vehicle pending a search warrant. Around that same time, an officer reported over the radio that he had an adult female who matched the description of the female who departed the scene. The female was identified as 26-year-old Sierra Gehring, who was the registered owner of the vehicle. 

An officer asked Gehring about her connection with Barry. She said Barry was a friend and knew nothing about him obtaining that amount of drugs and cash. When asked about her using drugs, she advised she had just smoked “blues” with Barry.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

105 blue “M30” fentanyl pills, a loaded syringe with suspected methamphetamine, more “tooter” straws, and empty plastic baggies were obtained in the area where Barry was seated. At this time, the vehicle and Gehring’s bag have been seized pending an application for a search warrant. 

Barry is currently being charged with felony criminal possession with intent to distribute, felony attempted escape, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and obstructing a peace officer. His bond was set at $50,000. Gehring is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. 

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