Vehicle Hits Woman Riding a Scooter in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 22, 2026, Missoula Police Department Officers received numerous reports from 911 Dispatch regarding a hit and run that may have been intentional involving a scooter and a vehicle in the area of River Road and North Curtis Street. 911 Dispatch received reports that the vehicle, a grey Ford Fusion with damage to its hood, hit a female, Jane Doe, while she was on a scooter.  

An officer headed towards the area of Russell Street and Wyoming Street and observed a vehicle matching the description from dispatch. The suspect vehicle was all over the road. Several other officers joined the pursuit. Due to the vehicle causing a crash, failing to maintain its lane, and being a risk to the motoring public, law enforcement attempted to pin the vehicle. However, the first attempt was unsuccessful as the suspect vehicle steered around patrol vehicles and continued onward.  

As the suspect vehicle approached the intersection at Brooks Street and Fairview Drive, a second vehicle pin was attempted. Officers were able to cut off the vehicle. At this time, the driver of the suspect vehicle, later identified as 31-year-old Christian Svezia, took his hands off the steering wheel and ceased all forward motion in his vehicle. 

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High-Risk Stop: Law Enforcement in Action

Numerous law enforcement officers engaged in a high-risk stop with pistols drawn. An officer gave Svezia a command to put his hands up. Svezia did not comply. Another officer then gave Svezia multiple commands to put his hands on the steering wheel. Svezia did not comply. Svezia was given commands to open the door of his vehicle, or his window would be broken. Svezia did not comply. Eventually, an officer broke the driver’s side front window of Svezia’s vehicle, and Svezia was pulled out of his vehicle. Svezia, after tensing up and giving some resistance, was placed under arrest.  

An officer observed that Svezia’s vehicle had extensive damage to the passenger side of the front windshield. The officer observed what appeared to be blood and hair strands embedded in the windshield, along with a disruption of dirt on the passenger side, indicating recent contact with an object. Svezia’s vehicle was seized, evidence tape was placed on the vehicle, and it was towed to the Missoula City Police Department’s impound lot. 

Given the totality of circumstances and being involved in a crash that resulted in serious bodily injury, Svezia was asked to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Svezia refused. Then an officer transported Svezia to St. Patrick’s Hospital. Once at the hospital, the officer read Svezia the Implied Consent advisory. Svezia refused. The officer applied for and was granted a search warrant for Svezia’s blood. Svezia was medically cleared and taken to the Missoula County Detention Facility.  

Medical Attention for the Victim

Meanwhile, other officers responded to the location of the crash. An officer located Jane Doe sitting on the south side of River Road on the ground, surrounded by people. Jane Doe was bleeding severely from a large horizontal laceration on her forehead. Jane Doe had blood all over the front of her body and what appeared to be road rash on the lower left side of her back. Fire and medical services arrived before Jane Doe was transported to St. Patrick’s Hospital. According to court documents, Jane Doe suffered a brain bleed and numerous fractured bones. 

The officer interviewed several witnesses who said it appeared as though Svezia intentionally left the road to strike Jane Doe, and it did not appear accidental. One witness estimated the vehicle was traveling “at least” 40 mph if not faster. The investigation is ongoing. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Svezia is currently being charged with two counts of felony criminal endangerment, felony leaving the scene of an accident resulting in serious bodily injury without express permission from law enforcement, fleeing from an officer, and obstructing a peace officer. His bond was set at $75,000. 

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