Today, May 31, 23-year-old Mackenzie Schaeffer appeared in Missoula District Court on a bunch of charges related to the theft of a vehicle from the 100 Block of South Third Street West. According to Missoula Police Public Information Officer Travis Welsh, the woman, whose car was stolen early Saturday morning, noticed her own vehicle driving around Missoula later that afternoon.

"Throughout the day she had apparently been driving around town, trying to find her car and a bout 8:40 that evening she called 9-1-1, saying that she had located it and was in fact following it," Welsh said. "An officer was then dispatched and intercepted the stolen vehicle traveling southbound on Reserve Street at a high rate of speed."

More charges were added to Schaeffer’s record after an escape attempt.

"Before the officer could catch up to it, the driver of the stolen vehicle dumped it just west of Reserve on Old Highway 93 North and attempted to run from the officer, but the officer caught him and took him into custody. At that time, incident to his arrest, the man was also found to be in possession of a substance that is believed to be methamphetamine."

On top of charges for theft, criminal position of dangerous drugs, and obstructing a peace officer, Schaeffer has also been charged with criminal mischief for damaging the car during the incident.

Schaeffer was released on his own recognizance.

Photo courtesy of Missoula County Sheriff's Department
Photo courtesy of Missoula County Sheriff's Department
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