Missoula Man Arrested After a Nap Turns Into a Police Incident

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 22, 2025, at approximately 3:56 p.m., a Missoula Police Department officer responded to the Winco parking lot after a concerned citizen called 911 to report a male slumped over the steering wheel of a minivan. Upon arrival, the officer located the male, identified as 44-year-old Barry Bush. Bush was still passed out behind the wheel with his radio on, playing music. Bush's keys were also in the ignition.  

The officer knocked on Bush's window, and Bush woke up. Не appeared startled and slow to respond. Bush denied having a medical issue. The officer asked Bush to step out of the vehicle, and he complied. The officer explained to Bush that she was concerned about finding him passed out behind the wheel. Bush said that he works nights but did not go home that morning because he got into a fight with his mother. He stated that he had been at Winco for two or three hours and, at some point, fell asleep in his vehicle. 

The officer observed that Bush's skin appeared clammy and pale. He also exhibited nervous fidgeting with his fingers and hands. The officer believed Bush was under the influence of drugs. When she asked him about drug use, Bush responded, "No. No. No. I've been, uh, over three, four months now [sic]. I've been completely clean, even off methadone and everything."  

Get our free mobile app

Officer Conducts a DUI Investigation  

Another officer arrived on scene and conducted a DUI investigation. He ultimately arrested Bush after conducting field sobriety tests. Bush later refused to provide a blood sample for testing, so the officer obtained a warrant for his blood. The State is awaiting test results from the Crime Lab. Once those results are received, the State may amend the charging documents to add a count for DUI.  

Meanwhile, the officer learned that Bush is on probation for Criminal Possession of Dangerous Drugs. The officer contacted a Probation Officer, who requested that the officer search Bush's vehicle. Inside, she located multiple spoons with a crystalline substance stuck to them, multiple pipes with residue, hypodermic needles, fentanyl test strips, and a micro torch.  

According to court documents, Bush stated there were multiple items inside the vehicle that did not belong to him. However, the officer found numerous identifying documents belonging to Bush near the drugs and paraphernalia. The officer later tested the crystalline substance, and it returned presumptively positive for methamphetamine. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Bush was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. According to the jail roster, Bush’s bail was set at $50,000 for a felony probation violation.  

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