Missoula Shoplifter Charged With Intent to Sell Drugs

She also injured an employee while being detained.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 26-year-old woman named Jamie Clark was arrested in Missoula, Montana after shoplifting a $9.87 wart treatment product from a Winco grocery store. During the incident, Clark physically resisted and injured an employee. Police found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and over $600 in cash in Clark's possession, indicating she may have been intending to sell drugs.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing problem of shoplifting and drug dealing in Missoula, where property crime and substance abuse issues have been on the rise in recent years. It also raises questions about bail reform and whether repeat offenders are being held accountable.

The details

According to the police report, Clark was observed by Winco employees concealing a wart treatment product in her sweatshirt sleeve. When employees tried to detain her, Clark became physically combative, injuring one of the employees. Police found 1.3 grams of methamphetamine on Clark's person, as well as 14.02 grams of meth, drug paraphernalia, and over $600 cash in her backpack, indicating she may have been intending to sell drugs.

  • On February 13, 2026, Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to Winco for a report of a theft.
  • During the booking process at the jail, staff located additional drugs and drug-related items in Clark's possession.

The players

Jamie Clark

A 26-year-old Missoula resident who was arrested for shoplifting and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Winco Employee

An employee at the Winco grocery store who detained Clark and was injured during the incident.

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What they’re saying

“The employee told the officers that he and his coworker observed Clark walking through an aisle and taking possession of a product. He said he observed Clark conceal the selected item by placing it inside the sleeve of her sweatshirt.”

— Winco Employee (969zoofm.com)

What’s next

Clark is currently being charged with felony criminal possession with intent to distribute, felony unlawful use/possession of property subject to criminal forfeiture, theft, and assault. The judge will determine whether to grant her bail at an upcoming hearing.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the growing problem of drug dealing and property crime in Missoula, where repeat offenders like Clark are able to continue committing crimes despite previous arrests. It raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in addressing these issues and protecting the community.