Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) -“On September 30th, 2022, at approximately 11:36 a.m., multiple Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to the area of 221 Ryman Street for a report of a male attacking people with a machete.
Just a few minutes later, multiple officers arrived on the scene and positioned themselves at the intersection of West Broadway Street and Higgins Avenue. Officers’ initial observations were one male pointing a firearm at another male who was later identified as Todd Devney. Devney had his hands in the air as if he were surrendering.
Officers gave the male with the firearm verbal commands to place the gun on the ground. The male followed all law enforcement commands, placed his hands behind his head, and began walking backwards. Devney was also provided verbal commands to get down onto the ground and he complied as well. Both individuals were placed into custody and an investigation ensued. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold picks up the story.
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“A preliminary investigation indicated that a 41-year-old male identified as Todd Deveny was involved in an argument with several persons when he produced a machete and began chasing one of the victims down the street,” Arnold said. “A legally armed citizen intervened, holding Deveny at gunpoint until the arrival of officers. Deveny is currently being held on several felony charges involving several victims and the investigation is ongoing. The citizen who intervened is cooperating fully with law enforcement and is not in custody.”
Victims Explain What Happened
According to court documents, one victim told officers that he and two others were standing in front of a local bar looking over a vehicle that one of them had just purchased. The victim stated that while the three were talking about the vehicle, Deveny, who was unknown to them, came charging after them with a machete in one hand and a knife in the other.
The victim said Deveny stabbed a nearby tree with his knife, paused, then began chasing after them. The victim immediately fled southbound on Ryman Street, weaved behind several vehicles, and eventually ended up on the north side of the street. It was at this point that officers arrived on the scene and contained the situation. The two other victims were also interviewed and provided corroborating statements.” By Nick Chrestenson Newstalk KGVO
