Missoula County Sees Decrease in Felony Complaints, Highlights Family Violence Cases
Missoula, MT – The Missoula County Attorney’s Office reported a notable decline in felony complaints this week, filing only ten cases, a reduction of seven compared to the previous week and significantly below the weekly average.
Focus on Family Violence
County Attorney Matt Jennings noted that among this week’s cases, three involved incidents of family violence. “A couple of them this week were assaults on a minor,” Jennings explained. He emphasized that these incidents often stem from parental disputes that escalate due to impulsive actions.
Jennings urged parents struggling with tension to seek help before situations become dangerous. “Taking a break is crucial. Step away and call someone for assistance—a neighbor or a teacher might help during those tough moments,” he advised. “Introducing substances like alcohol or drugs into these scenarios only exacerbates the risk.”
He stressed the importance of recognizing when communication has turned harmful. “These aren’t just shouting matches—children are at risk,” Jennings warned. “If parents find themselves in volatile situations, it is imperative to prioritize the safety and well-being of the children.”
Other Crimes Reported
In addition to family violence, the office reported two cases of endangerment, both linked to incidents of drunk driving. One of these cases involved several children being transported in the vehicle, a fact that Jennings found particularly troubling. “It’s disappointing to see endangerment of minors as a result of poor choices,” he remarked.
The county also recorded four new drug-related crimes during this period. Jennings described it as a relatively quiet week overall for the office. “We often see a mix of in-custody and out-of-custody charges, but this week’s numbers were low due to a combination of factors, including fewer staff in the office,” he noted.
As the Missoula County Attorney’s Office continues to monitor crime trends within the community, Jennings reiterated the importance of engaging in preventative measures for family well-being and public safety. “Parenting presents challenges that can lead to conflict, but intervention before hurtful actions are taken can make a significant difference,” he concluded.
For further updates, the Missoula County Attorney’s Office shares a weekly crime report every Friday at 9:00 AM on Talk Back, where Jennings provides insights and updates on local crime statistics.
Additional details will be reported as they become available.
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