Samuel James Collins, Firing Gun During Gas Station Robbery, Montana 2023

Grimy Times investigated a violent crime in Montana that landed a man behind bars for 10 years. On October 16, 2023, a Townsend gas station was robbed at gunpoint, leaving employees shaken. The suspect, later identified as Samuel James Collins, 34, of East Helena, entered the gas station wearing a hooded blanket coat, no pants or shoes, and fired a round from a pistol.

According to eyewitnesses, Collins demanded money from the employees, who complied. The suspect left in a pickup truck with an estimated $330 in cash. Surveillance footage captured the entire incident, providing key evidence for the authorities.

Approximately 20 minutes later, Meagher County Sheriff’s Office deputies stopped a truck matching the description of the truck used in the robbery. The driver, Collins, was identified and arrested. During the arrest, deputies found a pistol, cash, and a shell casing inside the truck. A search of the vehicle yielded a loaded 9mm pistol, $329 in U.S. currency, a purple hooded sweatshirt, a white hat, and other items.

A further investigation revealed that a bullet and shell casing found at the Town Pump were fired from a 9mm pistol found in the truck Collins was driving. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case, while the Broadwater County Sheriff’s Office, Meagher County Sheriff’s Office, Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. On May 26, 2021, the U.S. launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on core principles, including fostering trust and legitimacy in communities.

Samuel James Collins pleaded guilty to possessing and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The case highlights the importance of community-based organizations in preventing violence and the need for focused enforcement priorities.

This case is a prime example of the collaborative efforts between law enforcement agencies and the community to make our neighborhoods safer. The 10-year sentence handed down to Collins serves as a warning to those who would resort to violence and crime.