Broken Headlight Leads to Drug Arrest in Missoula Man

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 4, 2026, at around 1:34 AM, a Missoula Police Department Officer was traveling southbound on Reserved Street when he observed a truck traveling northbound with only one headlight illuminated. The officer completed a U-turn and proceeded northbound on Reserve. While passing 7th St., the officer observed the same pickup pulled off to the side of the road, with their taillights and headlight illuminated.  

The officer pulled behind the pickup truck and turned on his overhead lights. Then two individuals exited the pickup truck. The officer noted this as odd behavior; in addition to the previous behavior, he felt was an attempt to evade law enforcement. The officer approached the driver, later identified as Richard Hays.  

The officer informed Hays of the reason for the stop and asked for Hays's license, registration, and proof of insurance. While running Hays’s information, the officer was informed that Hays had an arrest warrant. Hays was placed under arrest. During a search incident to arrest, Hays was asked if he had anything that could poke, stick, or harm the officer. Hays replied no, however when Hays’s keys were pulled from his pockets, a small keychain pocketknife was observed.  

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Hays was also adamant about getting his cigarettes to his female companion. Based on the officer’s training, he recognized this behavior as typically consistent with individuals who have contraband on them that they are trying to get off their persons. The officer located the cigarettes in a pocket and handed them to another officer.  

That officer observed a small, clear, and red baggie on the cigarette pack, in between the cellophane wrapper and the cigarette box. Then the officer observed a clear/white crystal-like substance within the small baggie, which, based on his training and experience, he recognized as methamphetamine.  

The officer continued the search incident to arrest and found two syringes on Hays’s person. The officer again asked if there was anything on Hays that could poke, stick, or harm him. Hays again replied no.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Hay was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. Upon being booked at the jail, staff found a broken glass pipe with a bulbous end, which contained burnt black residue. The officer later TruNarc tested the suspected meth, which returned a presumptive positive identification as methamphetamine. 

Hays is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. 

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