MISSOULA – MTN News is continuing to follow a bizarre and potentially scary story out of the Arlee area.
We originally received reports from the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office that a pregnant female was allegedly assaulted and dragged into the woods by a man carrying a tire iron.
The Saturday search brought in helicopters and multiple other agencies, and she has been found safe.
The Sheriff’s Office spent more than three hours searching for a pregnant 23-year-old who was allegedly strangled, assaulted and dragged into the woods near mile marker 14 on US Highway 93 North — between Evaro and Arlee.
MSCO says the call came in around noon on Saturday from a supposed second female victim. The allegations
prompted a strong response from law enforcement.
The Sheriff’s Office worked with CSKT Tribal Police, the US Forest Service, the Montana Highway Patrol and Two Bear Air out of Whitefish.
The suspect at the time was 30-year-old Devin Allen Joseph Peasley and as the search and investigation continued, law enforcement discovered the witness accounts to be in conflict with one another.
At around 3:30 p.m., the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook that “detectives, working alongside CSKT Tribal Police were able to locate and make contact with the alleged victim.”
Tribal Police have taken over control of the investigation and MTN News has not been able to reach them for comment. But as of now, the suspect is not being charged in relation to the incident.
(first report)
MISSOULA – Authorities report that a pregnant woman was last seen being dragged into the woods near the Missoula County border with Lake County has been found safe.
Missoula County Sheriffs Office detectives, working alongside CSKT Tribal Police, were able to find and make contact with the alleged victim.
The woman is being interviewed by officers and will be offered medical attention.
The Missoula County Sheriff Office Special Response Team was called out Saturday afternoon in the north end of Missoula County near mile marker 14 on US Highway 93 North — between Evaro and Arlee.
As the investigation developed, it was determined this call is Tribal Police jurisdiction and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office is continuing to work with them.
Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Brenda Bassett says it’s not believed that there is any public danger. Tribal Police are continuing to investigate the alleged assault.
Two Bear Air out of Whitefish also responded to the call to aid in the search efforts.
