Violent Rampage at Two Missoula Apartments

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - 29-year-old Wade Culver faces 15 criminal counts stemming from a series of violent incidents at two Missoula apartment complexes on the morning of October 24, 2026. 

The incidents began at the Villagio Apartments on Otis Street, where police responded to a report of a stabbing. According to witness statements, a man later identified as Culver, was in the hallway holding a knife and a lit blowtorch. A resident, John Doe, reportedly approached Culver to ask if he was okay. Culver allegedly threatened to kill John Doe and his wife, Jane Doe, before throwing the blowtorch and stabbing John Doe in the back. The couple pushed the suspect out of their apartment and secured the door as he continued trying to get inside. John Doe was transported to St. Patrick Hospital for treatment. 

Officers subsequently entered Culver’s apartment and found extensive damage, including broken belongings, water covering the floor, a detached kitchen faucet spraying water, smoke, ashes, and a burn mark on a bedroom wall. Investigators believe a poster or picture had been set on fire. The water damage, burned wall, and necessary plumbing repairs were expected to exceed $1,500. Authorities also noted that the fire potentially endangered other residents in the apartment complex. 

Culver’s Rampage: Assault and Threats Against Victims

While officers investigated the Otis Street stabbing, additional 911 calls brought police to an apartment on Rodgers Street. There, Culver’s ex-girlfriend reported that he had kicked in her apartment door and attacked her. She alleged that Culver punched her, struck her with objects, pushed her into a wall, and later strangled her for approximately 10 to 15 seconds. She also reported that he threatened to kill her, sexually assault her, harm her cat, and burn down the building. The couple had reportedly broken up about two weeks earlier. 

After she escaped, Culver allegedly destroyed much of her apartment, damaging furniture, personal belongings, and plumbing fixtures. Officers also observed significant damage to her vehicle, including a caved-in hood and roof. Witnesses reported hearing screaming, banging, and threats during the incident. Investigators were also offered apartment security video and footage from a neighbor’s Ring camera. 

Standoff Situation: Culver's Violent Confrontation with Law Enforcement

Law enforcement then faced a standoff with Culver inside the Rodgers Street apartment. According to court documents, Culver threw a decorative knife toward responding sheriff’s deputies, refused repeated commands to surrender, and continued making threats. Authorities requested SWAT assistance and instructed residents within a one-block radius to shelter in place. 

A police dog was eventually deployed to apprehend Culver. He emerged from the apartment naked and holding what appeared to be a metal pipe. Officers used a less-lethal projectile, physical force, and a Taser before six officers were able to restrain him. Culver was taken to St. Patrick Hospital for medical clearance and then transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. 

The affidavit states that Culver told a hospital nurse he had used methamphetamine earlier that morning. He later reportedly told detention staff he had been using acid and was unsure what had happened, expressing concern that he might have killed someone. Investigators recovered a knife believed to have been used in the stabbing, a blue propane torch, and clothing matching the suspect’s description. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Capture and Charges: The Aftermath of Culver’s Violent Spree

Culver is currently being charged with felony attempted deliberate homicide, felony assault with a weapon, felony negligent arson, two counts of felony criminal mischief, felony aggravated burglary, felony intimidation, felony strangulation, two counts of felony assault on a peace officer, felony attempted assault on a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, and partner or family member assault. His bond was set at $1,000,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.