Missoula, Montana — A 35-year-old man is in custody following a violent incident that allegedly involved robbery and assault. On April 24, 2025, local law enforcement responded to a distress call that a man had been attacked with pepper spray and struck with a blunt object in a secluded area.
When officers arrived, they discovered John Doe visibly shaken and injured. He described an encounter with an unknown assailant, who he claimed pepper-sprayed him and struck him with what appeared to be a “sawed-off” baseball bat. Doe, who had not yet completed an inventory of stolen items, believed the assailant made off with his instant coffee and a portable DVD player.
Witnesses from the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office later spotted the suspect fleeing towards the interstate. After a short pursuit, deputies attempted to apprehend him as he navigated through a residential area. The suspect evaded capture briefly but was apprehended after a dramatic chase over a chain-link fence. Even as officers approached, the man reportedly paused to light a cigarette before surrendering.
The individual was identified as Dave Fisher, who had a known history of evading law enforcement. Upon his arrest, deputies conducted a search and found a small amount of methamphetamine concealed in his jacket pocket. Further investigation led to a search warrant being executed on Fisher’s backpack, revealing items linked to the robbery, including coffee packets, drug paraphernalia, and a significant quantity of marijuana.
Fisher is facing multiple charges, including felony robbery, criminal possession of dangerous drugs, and resisting arrest, with a bond set at $10,000. His past criminal behavior includes a series of similar offenses in Missoula, with previous charges of felony attempted theft and obstructing an officer still pending.
As authorities continue their investigation, the community remains on alert regarding safety measures related to transient populations and property security. Fisher’s situation shines a light on the ongoing issues of substance abuse and crime in the area, raising concerns about the impact on local residents and law enforcement resources.