Missoula Man Headbutts Jail Staff After Resisting Arrest for DUI
Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 7, 2023, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was patrolling in the area of Highway 10 West when he observed a black Chevy Silverado traveling eastbound with no license plate light. The deputy pulled behind the truck and briefly followed it before initiating his overhead lights for a traffic stop.
The deputy made contact with the driver, 23-year-old Donovan Garland, and asked for his license, registration, and proof of insurance. Garland stated he did not have proof of insurance or registration and further stated he did not have a driver’s license, only a learner’s permit.
The deputy started filling out the citation and observed Garland shouting in an emotional, aggressive manner while moving erratically inside the truck. The deputy returned to the driver-side window to talk to Garland about the citation, but Garland was still shouting on the phone. The deputy asked Garland to get off the phone, which Garland complied with. During this time, the deputy smelled a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Garland’s vehicle.
Deputy Begins DUI Investigation
Upon inquiry, Garland admitted to consuming one Bud Light. The deputy asked Garland to exit the vehicle and instructed him in the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. The deputy observed 14/18 indicators of impairment.
As the 20-minute deprivation period was nearly done, Garland pulled an electronic cigarette out of his pocket and inhaled the vapor. The deputy informed Garland that he could not do that, to which Garland responded, “I’m twenty-two f*****g years old I can vape.”
After several attempts, Garland eventually gave the deputy the electronic cigarette and the deputy again began the 20-minute deprivation period. After the deprivation period finished, Garland provided a breath sample that showed his BAC to be 0.152.
Suspect Decides to Threaten All Law Enforcement
According to court documents, Garland immediately started threatening all law enforcement on the scene, stating “You better put me in cuffs quick, cause I’m gonna get real pissed off and get myself more charges.” Garland was placed under arrest and as deputies attempted to search him incident to arrest, he began to be combative and struggled while attempting to pull away from deputies.
After several minutes of Garland pulling away and struggling against deputies, he was bent over the rear of a patrol vehicle. Garland began kicking deputies in the legs and attempted to headbutt a deputy in the face, but missed.
Garland continued to refuse to get into a patrol car, positioning his body as a plank, resisting being placed in the back seat, and pushing back against deputies. Garland then began making threats to the effect of “I hope I see you off duty.” After continued refusal to sit, a deputy delivered a focused knee strike to the perennial of Garland’s left leg, causing Garland to bend at the waist, so he could be placed in the car.
Suspect Continues to be Combative at the Jail
Garland was then transported to the detention center. While Garland was being remanded into the facility, he was threatening to assault the detention officers, ultimately headbutting one Detention Officer in the face causing bodily injury.
Garland is currently being charged with felony attempted assault on a peace officer, felony assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, and DUI.
The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.