Shooting in a Missoula Alley: Victim was ‘Afraid for His Life’
Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On November 5, 2025, Missoula Police Department Officer responded to the alleyway which runs between Longstaff Street and Cleveland Street. Law enforcement was dispatched following a report of gunshots being fired in the area.
The reporting party, John Doe, was outside of his property loading his truck for a hunting trip when he heard what he believed to be a gunshot. Initially, Doe was not concerned and continued to load his truck. Shortly after, Doe heard a second gunshot. The second gunshot caused Doe to become scared and to take cover at the front of his truck. From his hiding spot, Doe observed what he believed to be an illuminated headlamp moving towards him. Doe explained that no words were exchanged and that he felt targeted, and perhaps that the shooter believed he was breaking into the truck. Doe confidently stated he was “afraid for my life.”
Law Enforcement conducted an on-scene investigation. The light, which Doe believed was a headlamp, was still illuminated and visible to law enforcement. Officers proceeded toward the source of light, discovering that it was a handheld spotlight resting on what appeared to be an old washing machine. Officers then observed a blue Nissan with partially fogged-over windows.
Officers Identified a Suspect
While searching the alleyway, a resident informed the officers that the Nissan was believed to belong to 52-year-old Robert Deschamps. In plain view, the officers observed a pair of handcuffs, an empty firearm holster, multiple empty beer cans, and a driver’s license that belonged to Deschamps.
Officers continued to search the area and recovered two casings stamped with “40 caliber” and two impact points in the ground. One of the impact points appeared to have fragments of a bullet. The officers photographed the scene before concluding this portion of their investigation.
At approximately 9:00 a.m. on the same day, law enforcement learned that the Nissan, which was previously on scene, had now been moved, and the spotlight was no longer on the washing machine. Law enforcement learned that Deschamps had another known address in the 100 block of W. Sussex Avenue. When officers arrived, they saw the Nissan.
Officers Located the Suspect
At approximately 1:45 p.m., officers observed Deschamps open the driver’s door to the Nissan and sit in the driver’s seat. Deschamps was given directions to exit the vehicle, which he did. An officer could observe in plain view a 40 caliber Glock model 22 handgun on the passenger seat, and the spotlight. A detective requested that Deschamps be transported to the Missoula Police Department if he was willing to speak with detectives, to which Deschamps agreed.
Prior to Deschamps' arrival, a relative of Deschamps arrived at the police station and proclaimed that he was Deschamps' legal counsel. Deschamps was given the opportunity to speak with his relative prior to the beginning of any interview. Deschamps' relative then informed the detective that Deschamps would be invoking his right to remain silent.
The detective proceeded to travel to the alleyway where the shooting occurred. Shortly after his arrival, the detective observed Deschamps’ relative exit a nearby vehicle. Deschamps' relative explained that he was there to conduct his own investigation. The detective informed Deschamps' relative that no additional investigation could occur until law enforcement’s investigative work was complete.
READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports
The Relative Explains What Happened
Deschamps' relative began to openly discuss the statement that Deschamps provided to him during their non-recorded conversation at the Police Department. Deschamps' relative expressed that Deschamps had observed a vehicle traveling through the alley and that this was of interest to Deschamps because he had been a victim of theft from his numerous properties that he owns throughout the region.
According to court documents, Deschamps' relative stated that Deschamps told him he fired a “warning shot” directly into the ground of the alley. Deschamps' relative stated that Deschamps reported he did not observe a change in the actions or behavior of the individuals in the alley and fired a second “warning shot”.
Ultimately, Deschamps was arrested and is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon.
The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.