Montana Pursuit: Reckless Driver Arrested After High-Speed Chase

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 18, 2024, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper observed a blue Honda Accord driving west on Pulp-Mill Road with no front bumper or front license plate. As the vehicle turned west onto Mullan, the trooper decided to initiate a traffic stop. As the trooper was approaching the suspect vehicle, it immediately sped up.

In the process of accelerating, the suspect vehicle recklessly passed two passenger vehicles, and then nearly struck a vehicle that was traveling in the opposite direction head-on. In addition, the trooper noticed that a cyclist was close behind the vehicle that was nearly struck head-on, which immediately endangered them as they were traveling in the opposite direction.

Once it was safe to pass, the trooper continued his pursuit with his lights and sirens on and attempted to catch up to the suspect vehicle. The trooper noted that he was traveling at approximately 100 MPH, and the suspect vehicle was still pulling away during the pursuit. At one point, the trooper lost sight of the suspect near mile marker 13 of Mullan Road.

A short time later, the trooper saw the suspect vehicle in the Bronc’s grocery parking lot. The trooper exited his vehicle and drew his duty pistol. After ordering both the driver and a passenger out of the car, another trooper appeared on scene and assisted with arresting the driver and his passenger without further issue. Troopers cleared the car for other occupants and observed in plain view what appeared to be a marijuana bong on the passenger floorboard.

The trooper confirmed the driver’s identity to be 18-year-old Jaren Buck. The trooper asked for proof of insurance and registration, but Buck admittedly did not have either. The trooper asked Buck if he had anything to smoke that day and Buck admitted that he did. The trooper ran Buck through Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, which Buck consented to. Buck exhibited 5 out of 18 indicators of impairment.

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports

Then the trooper administered a Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test advisory and was able to successfully gather a preliminary breath test which returned as a .000. Then the trooper administered an Implied Consent Advisory and requested that Buck submit to a blood draw. A sample of his blood was drawn at a hospital and was preserved as evidence pending toxicology at the Montana State Crime Lab.

Buck is currently being charged with three counts of felony criminal endangerment, DUI - first offense, fleeing from a peace officer, failure to carry proof of liability insurance, and failure to carry registration.

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