Missoula Man Caught With Cocaine, Claimed it was Baking Soda

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 5, 2026, at approximately 1:20 p.m., a Missoula Police Department Officer observed a Mercedes sedan at the intersection of Orange Street and Cregg Lane. The vehicle then made a turn onto Orange Street, and it slowly accelerated after the light turned green. The driver failed to use their turn signal at this time, and when the vehicle turned, it crossed the double yellow line into the oncoming lane.  

The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at Orange Street and Front Street. The officer contacted the driver, whom he recognized to be 23-year-old Tyree Sisler-Mack. While speaking to Tyree, the officer smelled the odor of marijuana from inside the vehicle. The officer also observed Tyree to have watery eyes and a dazed expression on his face. Tyree then explained that he had smoked marijuana in the morning.  

The officer learned that Tyree had an arrestable warrant out of Missoula County, so he was secured in handcuffs and searched incident to arrest. During the search, the officer located and seized one rolled-up one-dollar bill, one rolled-up piece of paper, one pill bottle of Bupropion with the prescription label partially torn off, one pill bottle of Alprazolam prescribed to someone else, and one hollow metal straw.  

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The officer asked Tyree about any possible intoxicant use, and Tyree advised he had smoked "two blunts" earlier in the day and denied consuming any alcohol. Tyree said he took prescription medications, but he was unaware of any medications that would affect his ability to operate a vehicle.  

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests: Assessing Impairment

Given the totality of circumstances, the officer requested Tyree to complete Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. The officer observed 6/18 indicators of impairment. The officer then proceeded to read Tyree a Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test Advisory (PAST) and requested a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT). Tyree consented to a PBT but was unable to provide sufficient air flow to complete the test. Officers on scene requested that Tyree complete a Sotaxa test, but Tyree refused.  

Given the totality of circumstances, the officer arrested Tyree for driving under the influence. A second search incident to arrest was completed, and the officer discovered an item that had been previously missed. The officer removed a small plastic pill-style container from Tyree’s pocket. Inside the container was a white powdery substance. From the officer’s training and experience, accompanied by the rolled-up currency and paper already located, the officer suspected the substance to be cocaine. Tyree then made an unsolicited statement that the substance was baking soda. 

The officer read Tyree a Miranda Warning, to which he stated he understood and agreed to answer questions. Tyree was adamant that the substance was baking soda and denied using any of the substance. When the officer asked what his intent was with the substance, Tyree advised that he "used to smoke cocaine back in the day". Tyree then alleged he found the substance and the one-dollar bills when he picked up the car for a friend.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Chemical Analysis: Conclusive Evidence?

The officer proceeded to the Catlin Police Station and used a TruNarc device to test the white powdery substance. Before completing the test, the officer completed a self-check of the device, which passed. The substance showed a presumptive positive for baking soda.  

While completing an inventory search of the Bupropion, the officer discovered eight dime-sized yellow plastic bags inside, one of which had six Alprazolam pills inside, and one of which had a white powdery substance. The officer tested this substance using a TruNarc device, and it showed a presumptive positive for Cocaine. 

Each of these items was stored at the Missoula Police Department evidence unit pending transport to the Montana State Crime Lab pending chemical analysis. Tyree is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and DUI first offense. His bond was set at $25,000. 

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