Missoula Man Arrested After Choking Female Victim

Authorities say Arthur Shorting assaulted the victim, causing serious injuries

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:09pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a severely bruised and swollen human throat, the harsh flash lighting creating dramatic shadows and textures that convey the visceral aftermath of a violent attack.A stark visual reminder of the physical trauma inflicted by an alleged choking assault, exposing the hidden scars of domestic violence.Missoula Today

A 21-year-old Missoula man named Arthur Shorting has been arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault and felony criminal mischief after allegedly choking a female victim, Jane Doe, and causing her to suffer serious injuries that required hospitalization.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing issue of violence against women in Missoula, which has one of the highest rates of domestic violence in the state. It also raises concerns about the mental health and criminal history of the suspect, who has had prior encounters with law enforcement.

The details

According to police, on March 24, 2026, a 911 caller reported seeing Shorting shove Doe and then pick her up by the neck with both hands, choking her. Doe later told detectives that the confrontation began when she went to confront a friend about a broken window, and Shorting and another male got in her face and started yelling. Shorting then allegedly grabbed Doe by the shoulders, shook her, and wrapped a single hand around her throat, applying pressure for about 5 seconds before forcefully throwing her backwards by the neck, causing her to strike a car. Doe suffered serious injuries, including inflamed tonsils and a nearly swollen-shut throat, and spent multiple hours in the hospital.

  • On March 24, 2026, at approximately 4:41 AM, police were dispatched to a report of a disturbance.
  • On March 25, Doe visited Community Medical Center due to difficulty breathing and swallowing.
  • On March 26, Doe spoke with detectives about the incident.
  • On March 26, at around 12:42 AM, police responded to a burglary alarm at Southgate Market, where they recognized and arrested Shorting.

The players

Jane Doe

The female victim who was allegedly choked by Shorting, suffering serious injuries that required hospitalization.

Arthur Shorting

A 21-year-old Missoula man who has been charged with felony aggravated assault and felony criminal mischief for the alleged attack on Doe.

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What they’re saying

“She said Shorting then grabbed her by the shoulders, shaking her while yelling. Doe reported this continued to escalate as Shorting reportedly let go of one of Doe's shoulders and wrapped a single hand around Doe's throat.”

— Jane Doe

“Doe said Shorting began to apply pressure that Doe believed lasted around 5 seconds, ending when Shorting forcefully threw Doe backwards by her neck, causing Doe to strike the 911 caller's car with her back.”

— Jane Doe

What’s next

Shorting is currently being held on $20,000 bond and is facing charges of felony aggravated assault and felony criminal mischief. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

This violent incident underscores the ongoing need for greater awareness, prevention, and support services to address domestic violence and assault against women in the Missoula community. It also raises questions about the suspect's mental health and criminal history, and whether more could have been done to intervene before this attack occurred.