High-Speed Chase: Stolen Car Suspect Runs From Missoula Police

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 14, 2024, at approximately 4:57 PM, a Missoula Police Department Officer was patrolling near the PS Mini Mart when she observed a silver BMW X-5 sitting in the parking lot that matched the description of a stolen vehicle. The officer began following the vehicle and advised dispatch of the license plate.

Dispatch confirmed the car was listed as stolen. Officers continued to follow the car and initiated the traffic stop at N Russell St and Howell St. The vehicle turned onto Howell St. and came to a stop. The officer exited her patrol vehicle, drew her duty weapon, and instructed the driver to turn off the car and show her his hands. The driver, later identified as 31-year-old Maxim Mchann, exited the vehicle and began running.

The officer chased after Mchann and screamed at him to stop multiple times. They continued to run and began hopping the fences through the yards in the 1700 block of Philips St. At one point, Mchann came to a stop and appeared to be trying to hide behind a car.

The officer raised her firearm to a low-ready position and commanded him to show his hands. He then jumped back over the fence and flopped down onto the ground in the middle of the yard, signaling that he was done running and tired. The officer maintained distance from him with lethal coverage, commanded him to show her his hands, and get on his stomach.

After multiple commands, Mchann got onto all fours. The officer decided it would be best to just grab onto his hands and take away his opportunity to run again. With the assistance of other officers, Mchann was handcuffed and sat up in a seated position. His head and nose were bleeding from hitting things while running so the officer requested an ambulance to come check him out.

Another officer removed a stomach holster off of Mchann, which contained a loaded magazine but no gun. The officer asked Mchann about the gun, but he denied having one and also denied there being one in the car. According to court documents, a firearm was retrieved from the stolen vehicle.

Mchann was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony theft, resisting arrest, and obstructing a peace officer.

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