Tribal police ask for help in violent offender search

PABLO - After exhausting every other possible lead, Tribal Police Chief Craige Couture is asking the community for assistance with the search for violent offender Douglas Harvey Garfield. Garfield, a convicted felon, is wanted on a $100,000, nationally recognized warrant for arrest after fleeing from Tribal police officers during a routine traffic stop near Pablo.

As a passenger in a vehicle stopped for suspicion of driving under the influence, Garfield, along with three others, was pulled over. After confirming that Garfield was wanted for prior warrants, the officer then asked Garfield out of the car, at which time Garfield became non-compliant. Garfield then began to assault the officer, eventually choking the officer into unconsciousness. According to Tribal Chief Couture, that officer was hospitalized and has now returned to active duty.

Garfield then fled on foot, along with the three other passengers. The three other passengers were eventually found and questioned, but Garfield still remains at large.

If there is any information on the whereabouts of Garfield, the community is being asked to contact Tribal Law & Order at 406-675-4700.

Garfield is described as being 6'3", 230 pounds; brown hair and eyes; medium skin tone; with scars on his abdomen, left wrist and right leg. He was last seen wearing camouflage pants and a head bandana. It is unknown if he is armed, but he is considered dangerous. Garfield is 32 years of age. He has a violent history with an extensive criminal record, and is known to frequent the Mission Valley, Missoula and Kalispell areas.