Missoula Police Arrested Suspect in Tool Theft
Authorities recovered stolen equipment valued at over $1,700 after a patrol officer spotted a man with a trailer.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Property Crime
Live Poll
Do you feel safe leaving personal belongings in your residential area?
Missoula police arrested 28-year-old Joshua Dyslin on felony theft charges after finding him with power tools stolen from the 2400 block of Leo Avenue. Officers identified the equipment by matching identifying marks to a previous theft report.
Why it matters
The recovery of the equipment highlights how property owners can aid law enforcement investigations by clearly marking personal belongings. By identifying his tools via specific Sharpie markings, the victim allowed police to confirm the items were stolen immediately upon discovery.
Joshua Dyslin faces a felony theft charge and is currently being held on a $25,000 bond. The Missoula Police Department recovered the stolen property near W. Railroad St. and N. Russell Street following the arrest.
The players
Joshua Dyslin
He is the 28-year-old suspect arrested and charged with felony theft in connection to the stolen power tools.
Missoula Police Department
This local law enforcement agency investigated the theft report and conducted the patrol that led to the arrest.
Poverello Center
This Missoula-based organization provides shelter and services to people experiencing homelessness where the suspect claimed to acquire the tools.
The details
A patrol officer apprehended the suspect after observing him with a bicycle trailer loaded with power tools. Dyslin alleged he obtained the equipment from two individuals at the Poverello Center, but police matched the items to the owner using identifying markings written on the gear.
Timeline
On September 15, 2026, the victim discovered his trailer padlock was missing at 8:00 a.m.
The suspect claimed he received the tools earlier that morning at 6:00 a.m.
Legal Context
This incident follows standard procedures for property recovery in the region, where victim-provided identifying markings serve as critical evidence for prosecution. The arrest mirrors common patterns where local patrol units rely on observable suspicious activity to clear property theft reports.
Residents in the area near Leo Avenue and W. Railroad St. should remain alert and report any suspicious activity involving abandoned equipment. Marking tools with permanent identifiers remains the most effective way for owners to assist police in recovering lost or stolen property.
The takeaway
Securing expensive power tools with locks and unique identifying marks significantly increases the likelihood of recovery if a theft occurs. Always document serial numbers and physical markings to assist law enforcement in building a strong case against offenders.
Further reading
For more information on local safety trends, visit the Property Crime section.
Live Poll
Do you feel safe leaving personal belongings in your residential area?
