Missoula Police Apprehend Driver After A Series Of Collisions

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 30, 2025, at around 5:09 PM, a female called 911 to report a hit-and-run crash near Ryman and W Broadway. She reported the run vehicle was a purple Hyundai Palisade. The vehicle had reportedly struck multiple vehicles in the downtown area and left.

At 5:11 PM, the Palisade reportedly struck another vehicle. Dispatch received multiple calls reporting the Palisade striking vehicles and leaving the scene. Dispatch received a license plate number and learned the vehicle was registered to 72-year-old Laurie Lawrence.

A Missoula Police Department officer responded to the downtown area to try to locate the Palisade. While en route, dispatch advised that the 911 caller was following the Hyundai Palisade with her hazards on. The suspect vehicle was stopped at Pine and Madison Street after striking more vehicles. The officer arrived and saw that the Palisade was resting against another vehicle that it had apparently struck.  

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911 Caller Explains What Happened 

There were multiple people standing around the crash. As the officer approached Lawrence, the 911 caller approached him and began telling him about her observations. At one point, she stated something to the effect that Lawrence was very inebriated. 

Another female brought a camping chair for Lawrence to sit in. As Lawrence sat down in the chair, she tumbled backwards, landing on the ground as the chair tipped. According to court documents, Lawrence seemed to laugh after she fell backwards. The officer assisted with getting Lawrence off the ground and resumed speaking with the 911 caller.

She stated she first observed Lawrence near the Missoula County Courthouse. She said Lawrence was an inch away from hitting her vehicle. Lawrence then struck another vehicle next to her, and she decided to follow it.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Lawrence Struck Multiple Vehicles 

She tried to get Lawrence to stop multiple times, but Lawrence resumed driving. She estimated Lawrence struck 5, 6, or 7 vehicles between her driving downtown to Pine/Madison. 

Lawrence was transported to the hospital. The officer read her the Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test Advisory and requested a Preliminary Breath Test. Lawrence consented to a PBT and provided a .207 Breath Alcohol Content. 

After being cleared at the hospital, Lawrence was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. She is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment, DUI, and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in property damage $1000 or more without express permission from law enforcement. 

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