Missoula Police Tackle Man, Charge Him for Having Drugs and Resisting Arrest

Just before 1:00 Friday morning, a Missoula Police officer recognized a male coming out of a local convenience store. Police Public Information Officer Travis Welsh says the officer saw the male getting into a vehicle and knew that this male had outstanding warrants for his arrest.

“The officer watched the vehicle leave the convenience store and initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Russell and Knowles,” Welsh said. “The vehicle was very slow to pull over. However, when it did, the passenger, who happened to be the male that the officer recognized and knew to have warrants, jumped out with a backpack and tried to run on foot.”

According to Welsh, the suspect did not get very far before he was apprehended by the pursuing officer.

“The officer gave chance and eventually tackled the male a short distance away,” Welsh said. “He took him into custody. He was identified as 33-year-old Shain Steffens. Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that Mr. Steffens had methamphetamine in his possession as well as an opiate.”

Steffens now faces eight separate charges, four of which are considered felonies. He is being charged with resisting arrest, escape, probation violation and two drug offenses. Welsh says Steffens did suffer some facial injuries after being tackled by the officer. He was transported to the hospital. He was treated and released before he went to jail.