Missoula Probationer Had a Firearm, Meth, Syringes, and Pipes
Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 5, 2023, a Missoula Police Department officer was dispatched to a residence in the 2700 block of Valley View Drive to assist with a probation search. A Probation Officer was conducting a probation search of 37-year-old Joshua Rippel's residence, as he is currently on felony probation.
The PO said she received information that Rippel was in possession of a firearm in violation of his probation. A .9mm Taurus pistol was discovered in the room, along with four fully loaded magazines. The PO further advised that Rippel's backpack contained a suspected meth pipe and suspected methamphetamine.
Court documents indicate the officer observed a clear vial with a crystal-like substance inside along with a small glass pipe with white burnt residue on the inside. Based on his training and experience, the officer recognized the crystal-like substance to be methamphetamine.
The PO also mentioned that she had found additional items inside an open safe. The officer observed a plastic container of white powder inside of a plastic bag that was tied off into a bundle. He believed the substance to be crushed methamphetamine. He further observed a zip-lock style bag with syringes, hypodermic needles, tourniquets, and alcoholic swabs, which he knew from his training and experience to be a "fix kit" for injecting drugs.
The officer also noticed a glass pipe with a bulbous end containing white burnt residue which he recognized to be a methamphetamine pipe. The officer also saw a plastic container with multiple methamphetamine pipes, as well as a small black digital scale. The officer tested the vial and bundle of suspected methamphetamine via TruNarc with a presumptive positive result.
Rippel was placed under arrest and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, and probation violation. On June 6, 2023, Rippel made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $25,000.
The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.