Wanted Woman Resists Arrest in Missoula, Gets Caught With Meth

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 25, 2024, a Missoula Police Department Officer was at a gas station in the 1600 block of S. Russell. The officer entered the store to make a purchase when an employee asked her to remove a female who was behind the store. The officer made contact with the female, later identified as 27-year-old Sandra Phelps.  

The officer was familiar with Phelps and her history of drug use. She also believed Phelps appeared to be under the influence of a stimulant after observing twitching movements and Phelps clinching her jaw. Phelps initially provided her name but was hesitant to do so and she spelled her last name incorrectly.  

The officer ran her name through dispatch and found she had a no-bond warrant for a probation violation. The officer attempted to place Phelps into handcuffs, but Phelps tensed up her body and pulled away. Then Phelps engaged in a physical altercation with the officer.  

According to court documents, Phelps kicked at the officer and pulled away, grabbing the chain link fence with her left hand. The officer requested backup and several other officers responded. One officer noted that Phelps had tucked both of her arms under her body as a means to avoid being placed under arrest.  

Eventually, officers were able to place Phelps in handcuffs. During a search incident to arrest, a small baggie of methamphetamine was found as well as three syringes. Phelps was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. She is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, obstructing a peace officer, and resisting arrest. 

On January 26, 2024, Phelps made her initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and her bond was set at $25,000.  

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