Stabbing Incident Unfolds at Johnson Street Shelter in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 9, Missoula Police Department Officers responded to the Johnson Street Warming Shelter for a report of a stabbing. Upon his arrival, an officer observed a male, John Doe, lying on the ground with an apparent injury on the inside of his left arm. The officer applied a tourniquet to Doe’s arm. 

Another officer arrived a short time later and spoke with Doe’s cousin. He said 33-year-old Jason Andrews was involved, as well as a female. He stated that Andrews and Doe are in constant conflict because of their romantic interests in the female. He reported that she is the ex of Andrews and that Doe and her are now in a relationship, which has caused verbal disturbances between Andrews and Doe.  

After processing the scene, an officer responded to St. Patrick's Hospital to interview Doe. Doe stated he had been sitting in his truck with his girlfriend when Andrews approached her. Doe heard Andrews state that he was going to set Doe’s truck on fire with Doe inside and that he has people that can take Doe out.  

Doe looked over and saw Andrews opening and closing a curved blade knife. After several moments of Andrews making threats about what he would do, Doe leaned over and told Andrews not to threaten him. Andrews walked around the front of the vehicle towards the driver’s seat where Doe was located. Doe said he wasn’t concerned about what was going to happen because the two men are constantly in this position and there has never been an actual fight. 

Doe said he reached with his left arm to the outside door handle to open the door, and Andrews grabbed him with his right hand and pulled his arm out. Doe could not recall seeing the knife in Andrews’ hand or having felt any pain immediately. However, moments later, Doe stated he could feel something rushing down his arm. Doe then looked, saw blood, and then he realized that he had been cut. Dean said he grabbed a napkin to put on his arm and called 911. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Doe stated he became scared and the previous threats made to him by Andrews became real and he feared his life was in danger. Doe stated he was afraid Andrews would kill him if he returned or that Andrews would have one of his gang contacts come after him. 

On March 10, an officer was called to the Poverello Center after being informed that Andrews was inside eating lunch. Andrews was placed under arrest and stated he did not want to speak to officers until his lawyer was present. Andrews is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon.  

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