Intoxicated Wrong-way Driver Causes Crash on I-90 in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 22, 2026, at approximately 2:56 a.m., Missoula County Dispatch was notified of a two-vehicle crash that occurred on I-90 near mile marker 109. The complainant reported that a wrong-way driver crashed into the complainant's vehicle. A Montana Highway Patrol trooper responded and arrived on scene. 

The trooper observed a Volkswagen Jetta with heavy front-end damage against the eastbound guardrail and a vehicle with a trailer parked on the shoulder further east. The trooper also observed evidence consistent with a wrong-way crash. Based on the area of impact, the trooper believed the Jetta continued west along the roadway after the impact.  

The trooper contacted the sole occupant and driver of the Jetta, 21-year-old Jacob Sterling. The trooper immediately observed that Sterling's speech was slurred, and he was incoherent. The trooper also noticed a strong odor of alcohol emanating from Sterling and that Sterling's eyes were bloodshot and watery. 

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Then the trooper spoke to the other driver involved in the crash. They were driving eastbound when they saw headlights approaching from a westbound vehicle. They swerved onto the shoulder to avoid a collision as the Jetta was going the wrong way on the interstate. Their vehicle was struck by the Jetta along the left rear portion of the trailer they were pulling.  

The trooper observed heavy damage to the trailer consistent with a crash at highway speeds. I-90 is an interstate and generally has speed limit signs that range from 65 mph to 80 mph along mile markers 104 to 120, depending on the exact location of where the vehicle crash occurred. 

Sterling was transported to St. Patrick's Hospital. At some point, according to court documents, Sterling told the trooper that he consumed "eighteen" beers. Sterling was read the Implied Consent Form. Sterling consented to a blood draw that was obtained at 4:45 a.m. and was subsequently arrested.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Then he was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment and DUI first offense. 

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