Loose Straps Lead Missoula Deputy to Arrest Man for a 5th DUI

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 25, 2023, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a GMC truck pulling a boat on I-90 in Missoula County. The deputy observed there was an unsecured object strapped to the boat, one of the straps was dragging on the interstate causing it to spark, and that the trailer crossed the fog line.  

The deputy pulled over the GMC and 42-year-old Paul Jenkins was identified as the driver. The deputy also observed three girls in the back of the truck. The deputy told Jenkins why he was stopped, but Jenkins appeared dazed and was slow to respond. The deputy further observed that Jenkin’s eyes were glassy and his breath smelled of alcohol. 

The deputy had Jenkins exit the vehicle to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. During the tests, Jenkins displayed 14 out of 18 clues for impairment. Jenkins was read the Preliminary Breath Test and refused. Jenkins was also read the Implied Consent and again refused. The deputy decided to arrest Jenkins on suspicion of driving while under the influence. 

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The deputy applied for and was granted a search warrant for Jenkin’s blood. Jenkins was transported to St. Patrick’s Hospital where a blood draw occurred. Jenkins was then transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. 

Jenkins is currently being charged with felony driving under the influence, which is a fourth or subsequent offense. According to court documents, Jenkins has four prior convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol.  

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