Drunk Driver Flees Accident, Nearly Hits a Female and Her Dog

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 13, 2026, at approximately 4:01 p.m., a person called 911 to report a collision between a newer model Toyota Highlander and a blue sedan at 515 E. Higgins Avenue. According to the caller, the Highlander’s driver struck a parked vehicle, exited, became verbally aggressive when told he had hit a car, and then drank from a bottle believed to contain alcohol while saying, “You want to play a game? You want to play a game?”  

An Accident Investigator arrived on scene and broadcast that responding officers needed to hurry because the driver, later identified as 59-year-old Paul Milligan, appeared to be obviously intoxicated and was in the vehicle attempting to leave. A Missoula Police Department officer arrived, parked behind the accident investigator’s van, and approached the Highlander.  

The officer observed Milligan in the driver’s seat with the vehicle running. The officer struck the window with the palm of his hand and verbally ordered the driver to stop. The driver ignored the commands and drove away. In doing so, Milligan struck the vehicle in front of him (for the second time) while leaving the scene of the accident. The officer returned to his patrol vehicle, activated his emergency lights and siren, and pursued Milligan.  

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Reckless Driving and Evasive Maneuvers

Milligan turned eastbound onto South 5th Street East from Higgins Avenue and traveled the wrong way on the one-way roadway. The driver then failed to yield to emergency equipment before turning onto Gerald Avenue and entering an alley. 

Then the driver came to a complete stop. The officer turned off his siren and exited his patrol vehicle while commanding Milligan to stop and remain in place. Milligan then immediately accelerated away again. The officer returned to his vehicle, and a second pursuit began.  

While traveling through the alley, the officer observed Milligan drive across Ronald Avenue and Hilda Avenue. A younger female walking her dog across the alley quickly had to move out of the way and pick up her dog to avoid being struck.  

Eventually, Milligan pulled into the parking lot at 525 South 5th Street East. The officer pulled in behind the Highlander and positioned his patrol car so that its front bumper contacted Milligan’s rear bumper, pinning it against the parking curb.  

Using Non-Lethal Force: A Risky Decision

The officer advised dispatch of the location and issued commands directing the driver to place his hands out the window and remain in that position while additional units responded. Milligan exited his vehicle, and law enforcement observed him stumbling. The officer ordered Milligan to place his hands on his head and turn away. The male raised his hands but did not turn away; instead, he continued to face law enforcement while stating, “I will,” without complying.  

Milligan’s continued failure to comply with orders resulted in law enforcement using a 40mm less-lethal projectile in an attempt to subdue Milligan. An officer deployed a 40mm impact sponge round into Milligan’s right leg, striking him near his right knee. Milligan appeared unfazed by the round.  

The officer, based on his training and experience, is aware that 40mm impact sponges are typically effective. However, he has only observed them to be ineffective on individuals who are highly impaired by alcohol and/or drugs. Because the 40mm impact sponge was ineffective, another officer deployed his taser. After being struck with a Taser probe, Mulligan turned away and began walking toward the driver’s door of his Highlander before falling to the ground. Then the officer placed him in custody. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

The officer read Mulligan a Miranda warning, and Mulligan stated he understood. Milligan said he did not stop because he did not notice the officer behind him. When asked how much alcohol he had consumed that evening, Milligan requested an attorney. The officer ceased questioning at that point. However, during this interaction, the officer noted Milligan had slurred speech and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage on his breath. 

Mulligan is currently being charged with felony aggravated fleeing from an officer, fleeing from an officer, leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage of $1,000 or more without express permission from law enforcement, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest, and DUI second offense. His bond was set at $10,000. 

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