Man Pulls a Gun at a Missoula Basketball Court

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July  3, 2026, at approximately 2:40 AM, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to the basketball court under the Beartracks Bridge at Caras Park. Officers were advised that a group of kids had pulled a gun out and had threatened John Doe. Dispatch notes indicated there were two pistols and one shotgun.

Upon arrival, officers observed a large group of approximately 11 people. All individuals were ordered to the ground. After conducting pat down searched of each individual, it was determined that only one individual had a firearm, 18-year-old Ashton Ott. The firearm was identified as a Springfield XD 45 ACP, and Ott stated there was a round in the chamber.  

An officer advised Ott of his Miranda rights, and Ott agreed to speak. The officer noted that this was the third contact officers had had with Ott during this shift. Ott stated he and John Doe, one of the other involved individuals, have a history of issues and had been involved in physical and verbal altercations with each other.  

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Ott stated he was walking by the basketball court and stopped at a nearby table when he heard Doe say something to the effect of, “if he comes over here, I’ll beat his a**” referring to Ott. Ott then walked over to where Doe was under the bridge, and the two exchanged words. 

Ott stated Doe brandished a rock and cocked it back, as if to throw it at Ott. At this point, Ott reported that he drew his firearm and held it near his waist and pointed the gun at the ground. Ott stated he did not point the firearm at anyone. Other officers received reports that Ott stated he was going to shoot Doe in the face. The officer found through the investigation that Ott’s statement did not seem to make sense and other witness statements did not corroborate Ott’s statement.

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Another officer spoke with Doe, who said Ott pulled a gun from his waistband and pointed it at him. Doe reported feeling the gun pointed at his head. Doe stated Ott then said he was going to “kill him.” Doe reported that in that moment he felt Ott was going to shoot him.

Ott was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility.  

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