Man who attacked Molalla police officer sentenced to two years in prison

OREGON CITY, Or. -- A 40-year-old man who attacked a Molalla police officer then engaged in a standoff with a SWAT unit in July was sentenced to 24 months in prison Nov. 26.

Montgomery Ellsworth Gardner pled guilty in Clackamas County Circuit Court to Assaulting a Public Safety Officer and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

The attack occurred on July 25, 2025 at a city park on South Molalla Avenue as Officer Justin Brenner was conducting a premises check. 

Brenner approached a tent and saw Gardener inside it holding a meth pipe. He asked Gardner to exit the tent and observed that Gardner was in possession of a large bowie knife. 

When Brenner told Gardner he was detained, he attacked Brenner, knocked him to the ground and began hitting him in the head and strangling him. 

Gardner then fled, taking refuge in Brenner’s patrol car. 

The Clackamas County Special Weapons and Tactics unit (SWAT) responded. After more than two hours Gardner surrendered and was taken into custody.

Brenner was taken to a hospital where he was treated for multiple injuries including a four-inch laceration on his head. He has since returned to work and is on light duty. 

“This has had a major impact on my career,” Brenner told Circuit Judge Michael Wetzel at Gardner’s sentencing. Brenner said he is still receiving medical care for his injuries. “This is something that has obviously weighed heavily not only on myself but on my family.”

Senior Deputy District Attorney Stacey Borgman prosecuted the case.

Clackamas County Circuit Court case 25CR41728