Missoula Man Arrested After Knife Confrontation Near The River

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 6, 2025, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to a report of a disturbance involving a weapon near the river trail behind the 1400 block of Cedar St. An officer responded and observed a male who was later identified as 30-year-old Christopher Maldonado. Maldonado matched the physical description that was provided by the 911 caller.  

As the officer was exiting his patrol car, he informed Maldonado that he was being detained. Maldonado initially followed the officer’s commands to turn around and place his hands behind his back. However, once contact was made, Maldonado began to pull away and run west along the river trail. 

The officer ran after Maldonado with his Taser drawn, deploying probes that did not work. Maldonado then ran off the path into some thick bushes and into the Clark Fork River. The officer briefly lost sight of Maldonado. Then the officer drew his sidearm and kept it in the low ready position while telling Maldonado he was under arrest and to stop resisting. Then Maldonado exited the bushes and walked up the bank of the river. He was held there until other officers arrived and was then taken into custody. 

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According to court documents, Maldonado stated he ran because he had misdemeanor warrants for his arrest. During his search incident to arrest, Maldonado was found to have a syringe in his front right pocket. 

Officer Speaks to a Witness 

Then the officer called and spoke with the 911 caller who witnessed the incident. She said she observed the altercation from her balcony. She saw Maldonado shove another male and said Maldonado also pulled out a knife while making a bunch of stabbing motions.  

Another officer located the second male, John Doe. Doe stated he was sitting on the edge of the river trail, at which time Maldonado walked up to him and asked him if he knew where Maldonado could get some “dope.” Doe reported that he did not do drugs and didn’t know. Maldonado became aggressive and confrontational. 

Doe reported Maldonado pushed him back. Doe reported that his back was to the river and the rocks and that he was pushed several more times. Doe reported Maldonado then reached into his pocket and pulled out a knife. Doe reported that he had to quickly dodge the knife by backing up to avoid being stabbed. Doe stated Maldonado continued to stab at him, causing him to continue to back up to avoid being stabbed. 

Police Arrive Just in Time 

At one point, Maldonado picked up Doe’s backpack and other belongings, throwing them down the bank to the river’s edge. Maldonado then began to walk eastbound, down the trail and away from Doe. It was at this time that both parties heard sirens and Maldonado began to run.  

Another officer spoke to another witness who saw Maldonado throw a black object into the river. Officers and responding firefighters responded to the reported area to search for a weapon, but due to the water and a large amount of dense weeds, no weapon was recovered. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Maldonado was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon, felony tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, obstructing a peace officer, and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $25,000. 

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