High-Speed Chase in Missoula Tops 105 MPH, Driver Flees on Foot

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 10, 2024, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy observed a black Chevrolet Trailblazer pass him going eastbound on Broadway. The vehicle was displaying what appeared to be a crumpled Montana temporary registration tag. The deputy waited for traffic to clear, made a left-hand turn onto East Broadway, and no longer observed the vehicle. 

As the deputy entered the roundabout on Van Buren, he observed the vehicle coming down the eastbound ramp of I-90, towards him in the wrong direction. The deputy activated his overhead emergency lights. The vehicle continued driving and did not yield. As they got onto the interstate, the deputy activated his siren and the vehicle accelerated. 

The deputy said the pursuit continued westbound at speeds varying between 100 MPH to 105 MPH. Around the 99-mile marker of I-90, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper joined the pursuit. They continued northbound on Highway 93 N at varying speeds around 100 MPH.  

The Vehicle Eventually Comes to a Stop 

Eventually, the vehicle turned onto N Couture Loop and stopped. The trooper informed dispatch that 3 occupants foot bailed from the vehicle and ran up the hillside. Approximately 200 yards up the hillside, the deputy observed a female lying prone on the ground in the grass. The deputy held the female at gunpoint until the trooper handcuffed her.  

The deputy continued the foot chase with a Missoula Police Department Officer. The deputy was able to illuminate two people with his rifle-mounted light continuing up the hillside approximately 300 yards in front of them. The deputy and officer gave commands to both to stop, but they didn’t.  

As they crested the hill, the deputy lost sight of both people. As they continued up the hill, the deputy observed one person still working up the hillside. This person eventually stopped and was apprehended. Shortly after, another deputy drove up the hillside and observed the driver, 25-year-old Gale Hendrickx, lying prone in the grass. The deputy arrested Hendrickx and all occupants were transported back down the hill to patrol vehicles. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

After the suspects were secured, the deputy inspected the interior of the vehicle through the open door. H observed a small plastic bag on the front passenger seat that appeared to contain methamphetamine. There were also white specks of suspected methamphetamine scattered on the passenger seat.  

The deputy responded to the Missoula County Detention Facility. Jail staff located a gray melted hollow pen containing suspected methamphetamine residue and a pink plastic baggie containing residue in Hendrickx’s possession. Hendrickx is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment, obstructing a peace officer, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $250,000. 

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