DUI Suspect Causes Multi-Vehicle Crash on a Montana Highway

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 27, 2026, at around 7:31 AM, Montana Highway Patrol Troopers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 93 near Cochise Drive. The crash involved multiple vehicles, including a white Honda Accord driven by 20-year-old Charlize Stafford that came to rest on its side and a Honda CR-V that rolled onto its roof. A Toyota 4Runner also sustained extensive front-end damage after striking the concrete median barrier. 

Investigators determined Stafford had been traveling southbound at approximately 80 MPH when she attempted to pass another vehicle and lost control. The collision caused significant damage to the concrete median barrier, with three sections displaced more than a foot into the northbound lanes. Troopers noted that had Stafford's vehicle continued beyond the barrier, it could have entered oncoming traffic and caused a head-on collision. 

Troopers reported that Stafford appeared disoriented, had slurred speech, was unsteady on her feet, and smelled strongly of alcohol. She initially denied drinking since the previous weekend but later admitted consuming "a few shots" the night before the crash. 

During standardized field sobriety tests, Stafford exhibited 9/18 impairment clues. A preliminary breath test registered a blood alcohol concentration of 0.159. Stafford was arrested, and two blood samples were collected for additional toxicology testing. 

What Happened to the Two Other Drivers?

The crash also injured two other drivers. The driver of the Toyota 4Runner told investigators she saw an unusual light moving across the highway before encountering a vehicle stopped in her lane. She attempted to brake and avoid the vehicle, but crashed. 

The driver of the Honda CR-V told troopers she had just entered Highway 93 from Cochise Drive when she saw a southbound vehicle traveling on its side. She struck debris in the roadway before her vehicle rolled onto its roof, trapping her inside until emergency personnel could extricate her. 

Both drivers were transported to St. Patrick's Hospital for medical evaluation and treatment. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Stafford is currently being charged with two counts of felony criminal endangerment and DUI, second offense. Her bond was set at $5,000. A review of Stafford's criminal history showed she had been convicted of the previous DUI on March 16, 2026. 

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