Drunk Driver Causes Several Crashes on Busy Missoula Streets

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 22, 2024, at around 8:30 AM, Missoula Police Department Officers were alerted to a blue Ford pickup that had struck a construction fence and a residential fence in the 490 block of North 1st Street West before driving away. An officer saw the vehicle driving very erratically, weaving in its lane, and nearly striking four parked vehicles on Spruce Street.  

Another officer encountered the vehicle on Orange St. The vehicle yielded to his emergency lights, hit the curb, and the passenger tires were on the curb when the vehicle came to a stop. The officer made contact with the driver who was identified as 46-year-old Joshua Paisely.  

As the officer approached the vehicle, he observed Paisely reaching towards the floorboard. The officer told Paisely to place his hands on the steering wheel and asked if he had any weapons in the vehicle. Paisely admitted that he had a firearm under his seat.  

Paisely continued displaying erratic movements so the officer asked him to exit the vehicle. The officer conducted a pat search for additional weapons and in doing so, he noted the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Paisely. Another officer noticed Paisely’s speech was slurred and nearly incoherent.  

According to court documents, Paisely admitted to drinking before driving and also admitted to using marijuana. An officer observed an open bottle of alcohol in Paisely’s vehicle as well. An officer asked Paisely to participate in the standardized field sobriety tests, which he agreed to do. Paisely exhibited 15 out of 18 clues of impairment.  

Paisely was read the PAST Advisory and refused to give a breath sample. He was placed under arrest and was read the Implied Consent Advisory, to which he refused to provide a sample.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Seeing a prior DUI conviction from 2005, the officer applied for and was granted a search warrant for Paisely’s blood. Paisely was transported to St. Patrick Hospital, where a blood draw was conducted. Paisely was then transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. Jail staff found two clear plastic baggies of methamphetamine in Paisely’s pocket. 

During an investigation, the officer also learned that Paisely had a suspended/revoked driver’s license and was driving without liability insurance. Additionally, Paisely was reported to have left the scene of three separate crashes, which are still being investigated at this time. 

Paisely is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, DUI, criminal possession of drug paraphernalia, driving with a suspended or revoked license, and operating without liability insurance.  

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