What Happened to the Wrong-Way Driver on I-90 in Missoula?

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 12, 2026, at approximately 2:58 a.m., a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper was dispatched to a report of a wrong-way driver around mile marker 109 of Interstate 90 in Missoula County. The driver was reported to be travelling westbound in the eastbound lanes. The vehicle, a white Ford Fiesta, was being driven by a male, later identified as 27-year-old Gavin Mercado. There were no other passengers in the vehicle.

While driving westbound in the eastbound lanes, between mile markers 109 and 106 of I-90, Mercado’s vehicle collided with the side mirror of a Black Toyota Rav 4 that was traveling in the correct eastbound direction. After that collision, Mercado’s vehicle did not stop and continued traveling westbound.

A Missoula County Sheriff’s Office patrol vehicle used intentional contact with Mercado’s vehicle around mile marker 106 on I-90 in an attempt to stop it. Mercado’s vehicle hit the center concrete barrier and rolled over. Mercado sustained injuries and was transported to St. Patrick’s Hospital.

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A trooper arrived at the crash scene, completed his scene investigation, and then made contact with Mercado at St. Patrick’s Hospital. While speaking with Mercado, the trooper observed that his eyes were watery and bloodshot. The trooper also observed that Mercado had the strong odor of consumed alcoholic beverages emanating from his person, and his speech was slurred.

According to court documents, Mercado told the trooper that he and his brother had been playing disc golf earlier in the day and that he had consumed beers while playing. Mercado stated that they then went to the Thomas Meagher Bar and consumed more alcoholic beverages there as well. Mercado stated he drove his brother home and was then driving himself back to his home in Seely Lake.

The trooper attempted to conduct SFSTs. Mercado was not able to follow the trooper’s finger in order to complete the HGN test. Due to injury, Mercado was not able to engage in the One Leg Stand or Walk and Turn tests.

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Then Mercado was provided the PAST advisory and refused to submit to a preliminary breath test. The trooper provided Mercado with his Implied Consent advisory. Mercado refused Implied Consent. Then the trooper sought and was granted a search warrant for a blood draw from Mercado. The blood draw was completed at 5:01 a.m.

Then Mercado was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment and DUI first offense.

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