Impaired Driver Blames Faulty Steering During Traffic Stop in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 7, 2024, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper was traveling northbound on US Hwy 93 when he observed a white BMW in front of him near mile marker 86. The trooper observed the BMW drive on the fog line, then drift towards the left lane and cross the center line. Then another vehicle attempted to pass the BMW, but the BMW drifted towards the left lane and crossed the center line, causing the other vehicle to brake hard to avoid rear-ending the BMW.  

As the BMW approached the intersection of US Highway 93 and Blue Mountain Rd., the traffic signal turned red for northbound traffic. The BMW made no attempt to slow or stop and continued through the intersection, causing a vehicle that was turning onto Hwy. 93 to stop in the intersection to avoid crashing into the BMW. 

The trooper conducted a traffic stop and found the driver to be 48-year-old Jesse Belcourt. The trooper informed Belcourt of the reason for the stop. According to court documents, Belcourt blamed faulty steering for the driving behavior and shrugged his shoulders when asked about running the red light.  

The trooper learned that Belcourt’s driver’s license was suspended. The trooper asked Belcourt to exit the vehicle. While the trooper conducted a preliminary pat down for weapons, Belcourt withdrew a container used for marijuana products from his pocket. He denied using marijuana recently, claiming he had found the container on the ground. He also denied any consumption of alcohol or drugs within the preceding days.  

While standing near the trooper’s patrol vehicle, Belcourt began dry heaving and threw up on the ground. Based on the driving observations, two near-miss crashes, and his observations during the field sobriety tests, the trooper read Belcourt the PAST Advisory. Belcourt consented to a PBT, which had a negative result.  

Belcourt was placed under arrest. During a search incident to arrest, additional marijuana paraphernalia, as well as a butane lighter, were found in his pocket. Belcourt was read Implied Consent and refused to provide a blood sample. Another trooper applied for a search warrant for Belcourt’s blood, which was granted. Belcourt was transported to a local hospital where a blood draw was conducted. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Then the trooper applied for and was granted a search warrant for Belcourt’s BMW. The search yielded two grams of methamphetamine, two grams of a dried white and blue mushroom substance (which appeared to be psilocybin mushrooms), three tooter straws, two foil wrappers with burnt residue (which appeared to be fentanyl), and two clear plastic baggies with white powder residue.  

Belcourt is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, DUI third offense, failure to obey red traffic signals, and driving with a suspended license. 

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