Missoula, MT – A 39-year-old woman accused of leading police on an hours-long standoff last month in Missoula has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges during her arraignment on Monday.
Jennifer Rasmussen faces serious charges including assault with a weapon, resisting arrest, and obstruction related to the November 13 incident. According to the Missoula Police Department, officers were dispatched to Cooley Street after reports of a disturbance involving a knife. When they arrived, Rasmussen allegedly refused to surrender, which led to a tense standoff with law enforcement that lasted several hours.
The standoff ended when officers were able to take Rasmussen into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported during the confrontation.
If convicted, Rasmussen could face up to 21 years in prison. She was formally arraigned in Missoula County District Court, where her attorney entered the not guilty plea on her behalf.
Rasmussen’s next court date is scheduled for February 6, 2025, when further proceedings will take place.
The case has drawn attention due to the dramatic nature of the standoff, and law enforcement is continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident.
