Man Assaulted and Strangled His Girlfriend in Missoula

On July 16, 2022, at approximately 6:07 pm, a Missoula Police Department officer was dispatched to a local fast-food restaurant after the manager called 911 to report a female, later identified as an off-shift employee at the restaurant, came inside with a bloody nose and screaming she had been assaulted by her boyfriend.  

The officer arrived and the manager reported when the female entered, blood was dripping from her nose and she was screaming Walter had hit her. The officer spoke with the female who was holding a napkin to her nose and crying. The officer also observed redness and possible swelling on the top of her right cheek below her eye. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold picks up the story. 

“Michael Walter is being held at the Missoula County Detention Center on charges of strangulation of a partner or family member and partner or family member assault,” Arnold said. “Officers took a report of a domestic-related disturbance, including injuries to the victim.”  

The officer called for medical to respond and, with her permission, began to look closely at the victim’s neck. The officer observed scratches and redness on her neck. The victim stated Walter hit her in the face, body, ribs, and head. 

“Officers conducted a preliminary investigation and made observations of injuries and where the disturbance took place,” Arnold said. “Walter was taken into custody without further incident. The victim was provided medical attention and information on available resources. This case is still under investigation with the Missoula Police Department Detective Division.”  

According to court documents, Walter put the victim in a headlock near the couch and she tried to fight her way out but Walter started hitting her, repeatedly striking her hard, took her down to the floor, and then put his hands around her throat. The victim reported that she passed out.  When Walter finally got off of her, she got up and ran to the restaurant where she works. 

Walter is currently being charged with felony strangulation and felony partner or family member assault. The officer obtained Walter’s criminal history and observed he had three prior convictions for partner or family member assault. 

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