Man Gets 5th DUI After a High Speed Chase in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 4:20 p.m. on July 20, 2025, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 93. The trooper observed a northbound vehicle passing multiple other vehicles at a high rate of speed. The trooper activated his radar, which showed the vehicle was moving at 92 miles per hour. The trooper activated his lights and sirens and turned around.  

He was unable to turn immediately due to a concrete median, but observed the vehicle in his rear view mirror. The vehicle appeared to be continuing to accelerate despite heavy traffic in the area. As the trooper approached the intersection with Blue Mountain Road, he observed the vehicle in the left turn lane. The vehicle ran the red light and turned onto Blue Mountain Road, continuing at a high rate of speed. 

The trooper followed, and the vehicle eventually pulled off the roadway. The trooper approached the vehicle and identified the driver as 50-year-old Jonathon Cox. Cox stated that he had fled because he did not have a valid license and was scared. He stated he had been off parole for a year, had a good job, and thought he could pull off and hide.

Get our free mobile app

Trooper Begins a DUI Investigation 

The trooper detected an odor of alcohol from the vehicle and observed a BuzzBall Alcoholic beverage in the center cupholder. He also observed that Cox had slurred speech and red, bloodshot, and watery eyes. 

The trooper took Cox to the Missoula County Detention Facility and administered standardized field sobriety tests. Cox exhibited 15 out of 18 clues of impairment. The trooper read the preliminary alcohol screening test advisory to Cox, as well as the implied consent advisory. Cox refused both tests. The trooper obtained a warrant for a blood draw, which was collected. 

According to court documents, Cox’s driver’s license was revoked at the time of the stop. He has six prior convictions for driving with a suspended or revoked license. Cox also has four prior impaired driving convictions in Montana. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Cox was arrested. He is currently being charged with felony DUI, fleeing from a peace officer, driving with a revoked license, speeding, and failure to obey red traffic signals. His bond was set at 25,000. 

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