Intoxicated Driver Gets Stuck in a Ditch in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 2:02 a.m. on February 6, 2025, Missoula Police Department Officers responded to Big Fork Rd. for a report of an accident slide in. Three occupants were in the vehicle which was stuck in a ditch. The occupants did not know where they were and the driver was slurring his words.  

Officers arrived, approached the vehicle, and contacted the occupants. The male driver identified himself as 46-year-old Justin Houston. Dispatch advised Houston was on Felony Probation and later advised his driver's license was suspended. No one in the vehicle reported injuries nor did they request medical attention.  

Houston continued to mention he had already called and/or was requesting Triple A services. Houston exhibited wet, watery, and blood shot eyes, and slurred speech. An officer gave Houston multiple commands to exit the vehicle from his position in the driver’s seat and he initially refused. It took a considerable amount of commands for Houston to finally step out.  

The officer told Houston to stand at the front of the patrol vehicle and place his hands on top of his head. Houston appeared to be confused with these instructions. The officer detained Houston in handcuffs and could smell a strong odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. Houston told the officer that he recently had a "shot."  

The officer attempted to administer Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. While administering the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test Houston simply looked away from the officer’s finger, indicating to the officer that he was not going to participate in those tests.  

The officer read Houston the Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test advisory and he refused to provide a preliminary breath test. Based on the totality of the circumstances, the officer told Houston he was under arrest for DUI.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Officers searched Houston incident to arrest and his personal property was secured in a patrol vehicle. The officer read Houston the Implied Consent Advisory and he refused to provide a blood sample. Houston continued to shout, "I plead the fifth."  

Due to Houston being involved in a vehicle crash, the officer transported him to St. Patrick's Hospital for medical clearance prior to incarceration. After Houston was cleared, he was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. During the booking process, MCDF staff located methamphetamine in Houston's pocket. 

Houston is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, DUI first offense, and driving with a suspended license. 

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