They’ve just arrested another teenager for that brutal attack downtown, where two men were nearly beaten to death. That’s now the third attack like this I’ve heard about since I moved to Missoula back in May 2004. I’ll be honest, I felt safer walking around in New Haven, New York City, Montreal, Burlington, even Plattsburgh. Sure, those places have their fair share of crime, but I never felt like I had to sprint home before dark.
What really baffles me is how the police here seem to be covering for these kids. Maybe it’s because the teens are connected somehow, family friends, or someone’s kid. Or maybe it’s just a “boys will be boys” mentality. Who knows? But I’ll tell you what, it makes Missoula feel like a dangerous little town. And every time I see a big ol’ 4×4 barreling down the road, I cringe a little, driving my poor VW bug, especially since it’s already been vandalized by teenagers around here.
Just this morning, I read they finally arrested a third kid, and I honestly get the feeling they only did it because they had to. Witnesses saw what happened that night, yet the police seemed content to brush it off, like everyone was lying. It’s ridiculous. They only start moving when there’s an uproar, then stumble half-heartedly in the direction of justice.
Last year, a man was beaten so badly he went to a cop for help, only to be treated like a drunk and shoved back outside, where the same teens were ready to finish the job. By some miracle, he managed to find a friend’s house to hide in.
Missoula’s all well and good while the sun’s up. But when it sets, the streets fill up with these young punks, prowling around just waiting for an excuse to put someone in the hospital.
Boneshakerbike 
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