8th DUI Arrest for Missoula Woman With Drugs in Her Car

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 13, 2026, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy was patrolling near the Town Pump at 8745 Highway 93 N. The deputy observed a Nissan Xterra with an individual who was slumped over the driver’s seat of the vehicle. The deputy went to the passenger side of the vehicle where he could better see the female, who was seated in the driver’s seat, noting she was breathing. The deputy observed a clear glass pipe with a bulbous end, which he recognized as being used to ingest methamphetamine.  

The deputy then knocked on the window and the female inside awoke and was identified as 52-year-old Christina Southern. Southern was asked to step out of the vehicle and was Mirandized by another deputy. Southern acknowledged that she understood and she agreed to speak.  

According to court documents, Southern admitted to purchasing and using methamphetamine three hours prior. She further stated she was homeless and sleeping in her car to avoid trouble in town, while she was trying to get her life together. Then Southern gave permission to search her purse and car. 

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Field Sobriety Tests: Indicators of Impairment

A deputy instructed Southern on the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, where he observed 11/18 indicators of impairment. Southern was read the PAST Advisory and provided a breath sample of zero.  

Southern was placed under arrest and was read the Implied Consent Advisory. Southern refused to provide a blood sample. The deputy applied for and was granted a search warrant for Southern’s blood. Southern was taken to St. Patrick Hospital, where a blood draw was conducted and then Southern was remanded to jail.  

While the deputy was conducting the consent searches, he found a small clear plastic baggie with suspect methamphetamine, a large amount of cash in various denominations, and a sublingual suboxone tablet in Southern's purse. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Further Evidence: Scale and Drug Paraphernalia

During his search of the vehicle, the deputy observed the clear glass pipe in the cup holder. The pipe and cylinder had condensation on them, giving the appearance that they had recently been used. The deputy also observed a small plastic container with a blue cap in the center console that had a crystalline substance in it. Southern stated there was a scale in the glovebox to ensure she did not get ripped off.  

The deputy continued to search and located a clear Ziplock bag that was filled with hundreds of small plastic bags. The deputy also observed two triangular measuring cups in the case that he noted are commonly used to poor contents into smaller containers. The deputy also observed a crystalline substance loose in the base of the scale and in the bag. The suspected drugs were later tested using the ACE ID finding the following: 0.6 grams of presumptive positive methamphetamine, 17g of Arcylfentanyl, and 20-30 mixed pills. 

The deputy found Southern had seven prior DUI convictions. Southern is currently being charged with felony DUI, two counts of felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.  

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