Volunteer Threatened at Missoula Shelter Over Dinner Disruption

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 3, 2026, at approximately 5:00 p.m., Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to a report of a disturbance at the Poverello Center. Dispatch notes indicated that a person known as “Eric” had threatened and pointed a knife at a male volunteer. Officers contacted 47-year-old John Eric Fix.  

John Doe explained that he was working as a volunteer to prepare the evening meal for veterans when Fix entered the kitchen area wanting dinner. Doe explained that dinner would be served soon, and everyone had to wait. Fix became disorderly and started yelling at Doe. Fix made a lunging motion at Doe several times and continued behaving in a disorderly manner. Fix told Doe, "You're a punk a** b***h" and "you're dead meat as soon as you get off this property."  

Doe said another employee stepped in front of Fix and told him to go outside, which he did. Once outside, Fix stood in front of a window with a direct line of sight to the kitchen serving area where Doe was. Doe said Fix continued yelling at him. Doe said Fix then made a "slicing" gesture across his throat, pulled out a knife, and held it up.  

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An officer read Fix his Miranda rights and questioned him about the incident. Eventually, Fix admitted that he threatened the employee, stating he “threatened to box him.” When asked what that meant, Fix said it meant he wanted to fight him. Fix said that he didn’t mean it, and that he was just trying to get warm and get food. He described the victim as a newer employee serving dinner. 

Fix was searched, and a knife was found on his person. Fix repeatedly asked why he was arrested, to which it was relayed that it was for Assault with a Weapon. Fix became angry and fixated on an officer, whom he called a racial slur several times.  

Fix was ordered to get into the vehicle twice, which he refused. Another officer pushed on Fix’s chest to get him in the vehicle. Fix then began to resist getting into the vehicle. The officer then forced Fix’s head to his chest and pushed his torso into the vehicle. Fix continued to refuse to get into the vehicle, keeping his legs and feet outside of the door. The officer had to push harder to finally get him into the car. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Fix was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. Fix is currently being charged with felony assault with a weapon, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. His bond was set at $50,000. 

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