Missoula, MT – On the evening of August 21, 2025, the Missoula Police Department responded to a theft incident at the McDonald’s located on Broadway Street after a juvenile reported his food had been stolen and thrown in the restaurant’s play area. The situation unfolded with the identification and arrest of a repeat offender, sparking concerns about ongoing disturbances at the fast-food establishment.
The incident highlights issues related to repetitive trespassing and criminal behavior in local businesses, emphasizing the challenges law enforcement faces in maintaining public safety.
Incident Unfolds at McDonald’s Play Area
At approximately 9:47 p.m. on August 21, 2025, officers were dispatched following a report from a juvenile named John Doe, who claimed a female had stolen and thrown his food while he was in the McDonald’s play area. Upon arrival, officers quickly identified the suspect as 32-year-old Chantal Amador near the intersection of Broadway and Cooper, right across from the restaurant.
Amador is no stranger to local law enforcement as she has been involved in numerous calls for service. Law enforcement records show that since August 9, 2025, Amador has generated over 10 police calls and multiple arrests, including incidents involving violent behavior towards employees.
Amador’s Ongoing Legal Issues and Background
According to court records, Amador currently faces five pending cases in Municipal Court, including three trespassing cases, along with an additional trespass case pending in Justice Court. Remarkably, all of these cases were filed within the last nine days, indicating a pattern of frequent infractions.
An officer had previously trespassed Amador from McDonald’s on August 13, 2025, following a violent incident where she forcibly took items from employees.
During the current encounter, Amador reported to officers that she had entered McDonald’s simply to charge her phone and alleged that a group of males had been following her while verbally abusing her with racial slurs. However, she declined to address questions related to the theft incident itself.
Victim’s Account and Police Response
The juvenile, John Doe, together with two other males, provided their version of events to officers, who ensured their safety by having them remain by the patrol vehicle until additional help arrived.
Doe explained that the group was eating inside when Amador approached, attempting to take their food, leading to a verbal argument. Amador then went to the bathroom but returned, grabbed a double cheeseburger from their table, and fled outside. Doe followed her and called 911.
Outside, Amador reportedly picked up a stick and told Doe to stop trying to steal her food, but did not threaten or strike him.
Arrest and Charges Filed Against Amador
Based on the evidence and eyewitness accounts, officers arrested Amador for felony burglary and transported her to the Missoula County Detention Center. Her bond has been set at $500.
“The repeated incidents involving this individual at the same location and her prior violent behavior raise significant concerns for employee and patron safety,” a police spokesperson commented.
Understanding the Broader Community Impact
This incident at a local McDonald’s underscores the challenges faced by small businesses in Missoula when dealing with persistent trespassers and disruptive individuals.
- Over 10 calls for service involving Amador since August 9, 2025
- Multiple pending court cases for trespassing and other violations
- Increased need for police presence at vulnerable commercial locations
Community members are urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious behavior to keep public spaces safe.
For further details on this incident and related community safety updates, visit the original report on NewsBreak.
What Can We Learn from This Incident?
The repeated offenses by a single individual illustrate the challenges of addressing habitual trespassing and theft in community spaces. It highlights the importance of:
- Effective law enforcement interventions and clear trespassing policies
- Supporting local businesses to create safer environments for employees and customers
- Community awareness and involvement in reporting and preventing criminal activity
What do you think about this incident? Have you experienced similar situations at local restaurants in Missoula? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
