Drunk Driver Arrested for 5th DUI After Hit-and-Run Crash

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 7, 2026, at approximately 7:45 p.m., a 911 caller reported a motor vehicle collision that occurred on Mullan Road and North Reserve Street. She said a maroon van rear-ended her truck, pushing her vehicle into a red passenger car in front of her, and left the scene. 

A Missoula Police Department officer responded to the scene and observed obvious damage to the rear bumpers of the caller's truck and the red passenger car ahead of hers. The officer also observed a detached maroon bumper with a Montana license plate. The officer conducted a records check of the license plate, which returned to a maroon Chrysler Town & Country.  

The officer learned that the vehicle belonged to 62-year-old Steven Begay, who had a $10,000 warrant for his arrest, and his driver’s license was suspended. Then the officer went to a known address associated with Begay and observed a maroon Chrysler Town & Country parked in the parking lot.  

Approaching the Suspect: Officer's Observations

As he approached the vehicle, the officer observed the rear license plate matched the front license plate left at the scene. There was also fresh damage to the front end of the van. As the officer approached the van, he saw Begay sitting in the driver's seat, staring forward. When Begay turned his head toward the officer, the officer noted that Begay had a dazed expression and red, watery eyes.  

The officer knocked on the window and signaled to Begay to roll down his window. Begay did not respond. The officer then opened Begay’s driver’s side door and detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Begay’s person and the interior of the van. The officer also noticed that Begay’s speech was slow and slurred, and that there was an open can of Cold Smoke beer near Begay’s left foot.  

The officer told Begay to exit the van and walk to the front bumper of his patrol vehicle. As Begay began walking, he staggered and lost his balance. The officer then asked Begay to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, but Begay refused. Begay also refused to provide a preliminary breath test and a requested blood sample.  

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Then the officer transported Begay to St. Patrick Hospital, where he applied for and was granted a search warrant for Begay’s blood. Then the officer transported Begay to the Missoula County Detention Facility.  

Begay is currently being charged with failure to give notice by the quickest means of an accident and felony DUI, fifth offense. His bond was set at $50,000. 

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