Wrong-Way Driver Hits MHP Trooper on I-90, Injuring Him

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 15, 2026, two Montana Highway Patrol Troopers were dispatched to a wrong-way driver traveling westbound in the eastbound lane of I-90 from mile marker 104 in Missoula County. Near mile marker 100, the trooper observed the vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lane. The trooper parked his patrol vehicle in the roadway and attempted to deploy spike strips.  

The vehicle was identified as a silver Nissan Sentra with Idaho registration. The Nissan Sentra then crashed into the trooper, who was outside his patrol vehicle, striking the trooper and causing injuries.  

The driver of the Nissan Sentra was identified as 22-year-old Alexis Jae Rutledge. According to court documents, Rutledge was uninjured during the crash. Another trooper observed Rutledge to have bloodshot watery eyes, slurred speech, and the odor of a consumed alcoholic beverage emitting from her person.  

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Rutledge could not recall where she was coming from; however, the trooper observed a local bar stamp on Rutledge’s right hand. The trooper was later informed that Rutledge had caused a Ford Expedition to drive off the roadway, causing the Expedition to crash into the jersey barrier at mile marker 103 on I-90. The Expedition was occupied by two individuals. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Rutledge was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. She is currently being charged with two counts of felony criminal endangerment. On February 17, at around 4:30 PM, she was released from jail.  

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