Montana Highway Patrol Arrest Man for Felony DUI

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 30, 2023, at around 11:30 p.m., a Montana Highway Patrol Sergeant was patrolling in the area of Highway 200 as it intersects with Interstate 90. The sergeant was traveling westbound on Highway 200 when he observed a white vehicle traveling in front of him and accelerating in an unusually fast manner.  

The sergeant observed the vehicle drive up the on-ramp to I-90. As it did so, it accelerated to 77 mph and appeared to get close to the vehicle in front of it. The sergeant then observed the car move from the right lane to the left lane without signaling. The sergeant followed the vehicle and it continued to travel 69-71 mph in a 65 mph zone. 

Near exit 107, the sergeant activated his lights to initiate a traffic stop. The sergeant noted that the driver did not drive to the right side of the road and stop, but continued and exited at exit 107. The driver drove to the bottom of the off-ramp and stopped.  

As the sergeant approached the car to make contact with the driver, he noted the driver’s eyes were bloodshot and appeared watery. The sergeant also noted smelling a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from within the vehicle. The sergeant asked the driver for his license, registration, and insurance, at which time the driver responded and appeared to have slurred speech as he spoke. 

According to court documents, the driver provided a license that identified himself as 38-year-old Wayne Fisher. The sergeant asked Fisher to exit the vehicle. When Fisher walked, he had difficulty following instructions and he did not walk smoothly. The sergeant conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests on Fisher and observed 9 out of 18 indicators of impairment. 

When asked what he had been doing earlier, Fisher stated he had been helping a friend move around 4:00 p.m. Fisher also admitted to drinking two alcoholic beverages. Fisher was read the PAST Advisory and ultimately decided to provide a PBT, which resulted in a .135. 

Fisher was then placed under arrest and agreed to provide a blood sample. Fisher was transported to St. Patrick Hospital, where a blood draw was completed. Fisher was then transported to the Missoula County Detention Center.  

Fisher is currently being charged with felony DUI, which is a fourth or subsequent offense. Court documents indicate Fisher has three prior DUI convictions. 

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