Missoula Deputy Discovers DUI Case in Snowy Gas Station Scene

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 14, 2025, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy responded to a report of an injury accident at a gas station on Highway 10 West. The complainant said he found a car stuck in the snow and the driver was non-responsive. 

The deputy arrived on scene and noticed the vehicle did not crash, but drifted off the road in a long, drawn-out movement with no observations the vehicle attempted to correct. The deputy approached the vehicle and located a male driver who was later identified as 39-year-old Brandon Todd.  

The deputy discovered that Todd’s driving privilege was revoked. The deputy observed that Todd had a dazed expression, appeared heavily intoxicated, and that there were open alcohol containers scattered throughout the vehicle. The deputy also noted a strong odor of alcohol and marijuana emitting from the vehicle.  

Todd determined he was “good” and slammed the car door shut on the deputy and a corporal who arrived on scene to assist. The corporal removed Todd from the vehicle and questioned how much Todd drank. Todd claimed he did not drink. Given the deputy’s observations, he decided to administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.  

Todd was detained for a DUI investigation. However, due to the extreme weather, the deputy wanted to transport Todd to the TA gas station to administer the tests. The deputy searched Todd and located two torches. Todd advised he used the torches to smoke dabs. 

While enroute to the TA gas station, the corporal had to respond to a separate crash. The deputy decided to reroute to the Missoula County Detention Center’s DUI processing area to administer the tests. While walking in the hallway at the detention center, Todd stated,  “I’ve got four DUIs . . . yea I’m drunk.” The deputy then advised he was going to have Todd go through the field tests. Todd refused. Then the deputy arrested Todd for DUI.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The deputy then read Todd the Preliminary Alcohol Screening Advisory. Todd refused to answer. The deputy applied for and was granted a search warrant for Todd’s blood. While drafting the search warrant, Todd was verbally aggressive with the deputy.  

At this point, the deputy advised Todd of his Miranda rights. According to court documents, Todd told the deputy he hopes the deputy’s wife kills herself, asked the deputy to shoot him, and admitted to being an alcoholic. Todd was transported to St. Patrick’s Hospital for a blood draw. A blood draw was successful and Todd was transported back to the jail. 

The deputy looked up Todd’s driver’s history and noted Todd has four prior convictions for DUI. Todd was sentenced to a 13-month commitment to the Department of Corrections WATCH program, followed by an additional four years of supervision with the Department of Corrections. He is currently being charged with felony DUI, driving with a suspended license, and unlawful possession of an open alcoholic beverage container. His bond was set at $15,000. 

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