Drunk Driver Hits Car, Nearly Struck Several Others in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On November 4, 2023, at approximately 7:52 p.m., Missoula Police Department dispatch aired a report of a moving violation that originated in Bonner and continued to Missoula.  

The first caller reported a white SUV with a two-tone camper was fishtailing, passed on a double yellow line, and was going faster than 50 mph. He said it nearly struck his vehicle as it passed. He followed the suspect vehicle and said it nearly struck six or seven other vehicles that were on the roadway. 

A second caller reported the vehicle was swerving all over the road and almost hit multiple vehicles. The vehicle was reported to be southbound on Higgins Ave from Brooks Street.  

A third caller reported their vehicle was struck by a white Chevy with a camper. The vehicle was reported to have left the scene and stopped at Mount Avenue and 27th Avenue. The caller reported the female was drunk and there were kids in the vehicle.  

Officers Quickly Respond and Begin an Investigation 

While responding to the area, dispatch advised there was a disturbance occurring and there was yelling. It was further reported the female was stating there were firearms. Officers quickly arrived on scene and began an investigation. One officer secured a rifle and asked another officer to check the passenger side of the vehicle while she spoke with a juvenile child who was in the suspect vehicle. On the passenger side, the officer observed a second rifle and secured it as well. 

As the officer approached the vehicle, the third caller approached him and handed him the keys to the suspect vehicle. He said the keys were taken from the female driver to prevent her from leaving. The officer was then approached by the female who was later identified as 49-year-old Deloris Johnson. As Johnson approached, the officer observed a dazed expression, and she was unsteady on her feet. 

Another officer went to Johnson’s vehicle and observed a juvenile child in the rear passenger seat who was unrestrained. While speaking with the child, the officer observed several opened Bud Light cans on the front passenger side of the vehicle.  

An Officer Conducts a DUI Investigation 

Another officer arrived on scene to conduct a DUI investigation with Johnson. While speaking with her, he noted her speech was slow and lethargic and that she was slurring her words. He asked if she had consumed alcohol this evening and she stated that she had. The officer conducted standardized field sobriety tests and Johnson exhibited 12 out of 18 indicators of impairment. Johnson also consented to provide a breath sample which returned at .205. 

Johnson was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. She is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment, felony criminal child endangerment, and felony DUI. According to court documents, Johnson has three prior DUI convictions. 

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