The two men charged with stealing a truck and leading law enforcement on a high speed chase from Missoula to Bonner, up Highway 200 and back to Missoula at speeds over 100 miles per hour appeared in Missoula Justice Court on Tuesday.

Bail for both 28 year-old Roger Gillespie and 26 year-old Jacob Seibert was set at $100,000 by Judge Landee Holloway.

Court documents indicate that both men were high on meth at the time of the incident.

Gillespie was charged with escape from Powell County, as well as felony theft for helping to steal a 2014 GMC pickup truck in Missoula.

Deputy Missoula County Attorney Mark Handelman outlined the charges against Gillespie.

"The defendant participated in the theft of a pickup and was the initial driver in the high speed pursuit," Handelman said. "He had a warrant for escape after walking away from pre-release in Powell County. He also has some significant criminal history that includes felony conviction for bail jumping. That, plus the facts in the case suggest that he is an extreme flight risk  suggest that a $100,000 bail be set.

photo by MCSO
Jacob Seibert
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Seibert appeared at the very close of the court session to keep the two defendants separated, and both wore vests to prevent them from harming themselves. Handelman asked Judge Holloway for the identical bail amount of $100,000, however, Seibert was also accused of theft for stealing a Subaru and arson by setting it on fire.

"The defendant stole a car, then stole a pickup, burned the original car, and led police on a high speed pursuit that endangered many lives within the community, as well as nearly hitting two officers," Handleman said. "The court is requesting $100,000 bail. The defendant has demonstrated that he is a significant flight risk, and his actions jeopardized the safety of the community."

Both men were remanded back to the Missoula County Jail on $100,000 bond.

Charges were dismissed against a third suspect, Shelby Lynn Shields.

 

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