Speeding Montana Driver Arrested With Open Alcohol and Drugs

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 1:32 a.m. on February 3rd, 2026, Montana Highway Patrol Troopers were on duty at mile marker 101 of Interstate 90 when they observed an SUV traveling at a speed that appeared to be above the posted 65 miles per hour speed zone. The trooper activated his rear antenna, and the counting unit produced a high-pitched tone. Then the trooper obtained a stable reading showing the vehicle traveling at 92 miles per hour. 

The troopers stopped the vehicle at mile marker 103 of Interstate 90. The other trooper approached the vehicle from the driver's side. While the trooper was speaking with the male, later identified by his Montana driver's license as 49-year-old Robert Yandell, he observed him not wearing his seatbelt. The trooper also observed an open container of an alcoholic beverage in the center console and a marijuana pipe.  

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The trooper asked Yandell to exit the vehicle. While doing so, Yandell appeared unsteady on his feet. The trooper began to question Yandell on his whereabouts. Yandell would not say where he was coming from or how much alcohol he had consumed. While speaking with Yandell, the trooper observed Yandell’s eyes to be bloodshot and watery, he had slow, slurred speech, and the odor of overbearing consumed alcoholic beverage was emitting from him. Yandell also had a dazed, expressionless face.  

According to court documents, Yandell refused the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, the Preliminary Breath Test, and Implied Consent. While conducting a search incident to arrest, a powder-like substance was found. Later, the powder-like substance was tested and showed presumptive positive for cocaine. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Yandell was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, DUI first offense, speeding, unlawful possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle on the highway, unlawful possession of marijuana, products, or paraphernalia in a motor vehicle on the highway, and failure to use a seatbelt.  

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