MISSOULA – The man who eluded police officers until being held at gunpoint by a Missoula homeowner made his initial court appearance Tuesday and new details from the incident have emerged in court documents.
22-year-old Justin Delaney is facing multiple charges including felony counts of burglary and theft.
Delany is accused of stealing a Chevy Avalanche while its owner had left it running at her apartment complex.
The owner reporter the vehicle stolen to the Missoula Police Department, who then broadcast the report to the Montana Highway Patrol and the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
Missoula deputies located the vehicle on Mullan Road and attempted to stop it, but Delaney took off and lead them on a pursuit.
After driving through numerous roadblocks and spike strips, the vehicle left the roadway, driving through fences and a mailbox.
Eventually, Delaney took off from the vehicle and attempted to hide in the basement of a nearby home. When the homeowner found Delaney, he escorted him out at gunpoint and yelled at law enforcement for assistance.
Delaney also has a criminal past in Idaho where there is still a warrant out for his arrest.
His bond is set at $75,000 and his next court appearance is on Jan. 2.
