Pre-Release Center Escapee Captured at the Missoula Airport

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 12:54 p.m. on June 5, 2025, a Missoula Police Department officer was dispatched to an escapee call at the Pre-Release Center located on Mullan Rd.  

Call notes stated that inmate 23-year-old Demar Pugh had escaped at approximately 10:30 that morning. The officer spoke with an employee of Pre-Release and learned Demar's boss recently saw him on foot by Outback Steakhouse. Demar had just picked up his paycheck and may have been headed towards a detailing business by the airport. Officers patrolled the area from Outback Steakhouse to the area around the airport, but were unable to locate Demar.  

The officer later learned that a probation officer had arrested him at the airport. The officer spoke with the probation officer and confirmed that Demar was arrested at the airport. She advised that Demar had cashed his check for $800 and was believed to be there to see his girlfriend. 

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The officer also spoke with another Pre-Release employee who advised that Demar has a felony conviction out of Missoula County and is serving a 36-month DOC sentence for four counts of criminal endangerment. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Staff learned Demar had an unauthorized cell phone, on which they found evidence of him traveling out of town with his girlfriend. The employee advised that earlier that day, Demar was revoked from the Alternative Jail Program at his hearing and jumped out the window after. 

Demar was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is now being charged with felony escape, and his bond was set at $25,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.