Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 26, 2024, at approximately 10:35 p.m., a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy observed a Toyota SUV traveling eastbound in the westbound lane on East Broadway. The deputy pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to avoid a head-on collision. The Toyota made no evasive maneuvers to avoid the deputy’s patrol vehicle.  

The deputy turned around and followed the Toyota, which continued driving the wrong way. After traveling under the I-90 underpass, a fire truck also pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway to avoid a head-on collision. The Toyota appeared to slow down but made no effort to drive in the correct lane of travel and would not respond to the deputy’s lights and sirens.  

Near the intersection of Highway 200 and Speedway Ave., the deputy made deliberate contact with the Toyota using his front bumper. The Toyota continued driving and increased its speed. At that point, another westbound vehicle had to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to avoid yet another head-on crash.  

The deputy made several other attempts to ram and disable the Toyota but was not successful. Near Marshal Grade Road, the Toyota almost struck a pedestrian standing on the fog line. The deputy struck the Toyota again, and it again increased its speed. The Toyota turned onto Fontaine Drive, where the deputy and another responding deputy finally managed to disable it.  

The driver, identified as 31-year-old Paul Lenihan, exited the Toyota but would not follow the deputies’ commands. Lenihan was ultimately tased after reaching toward his pockets, causing injury to the back of his head when he fell down. After being placed in handcuffs, a deputy observed that Lenihan appeared extremely intoxicated. The deputy also noticed the odor of alcohol coming from Lenihan and that his eyes were watery. According to court documents, Lenihan admitted to consuming alcohol.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Medical arrived on scene and transported Lenihan to the hospital for an evaluation. At the hospital, a deputy read the PAST Advisory and Implied Consent to Lenihan. He refused both tests, so the deputy obtained a search warrant for a sample of Lenihan’s blood. While Lenihan’s blood was being drawn, he said something to the effect, “All of this just because I was drinking and driving.” Ultimately Lenihan was booked into jail.  

Lenihan’s criminal history shows two prior DUI/BAC convictions. He is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment, DUI third offense, and fleeing from a peace officer. His bond was set at $5,000. 

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

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