Missoula Pedestrian Narrowly Escapes Hit And Run Collision

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 2, 2024, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to a hit and run that happened in the 1000 block of North Russell Street. A vehicle was reported to have driven in someone’s yard. The suspect vehicle left the scene of the crash and drove on Phillips Street. Dispatch received other calls regarding the vehicle, including one where it almost hit a person near an alley by Secret Seconds.

Officers located the vehicle in the 1200 block of Toole Avenue and several individuals were standing around looking at it. A male was observed walking away from the vehicle and an officer asked him to stop. The officer spoke with the male who was later identified as Justin Peterson. The officer observed black marks around Peterson’s right eye and on the bridge of his nose. Peterson had dirt on his arms and grass and dirt on his shirt. 

The officer observed severe damage to the front of the vehicle and noticed it was missing its bumper. The windshield was cracked on the passenger side which looked consistent with someone’s head hitting the windshield. There was also mud and grass down the side of the vehicle.  

The officer observed an open can of Steel Reserve in the cup holder, a marijuana pipe on the floor behind the driver’s seat, and a marijuana bag from a dispensary on the front passenger floorboard. 

Peterson stated he was coming down the hill of Phillips Street and his bumper fell off. He said he ran over it, causing his airbags to deploy. He then heard a loud pop and hit the curb causing him to go into the grass. He said he panicked and tried heading home.  

According to court documents, Peterson further admitted he smoked marijuana about an hour earlier. When asked about the Steel Reserve, Peterson admitted it was his and that he had two beers an hour ago. The officer noticed Peterson’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, he had slurred speech, and had white mucus in the corner of his mouth consistent with dehydration from alcohol. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

A sergeant arrived on scene and spoke to the woman who reported earlier that she was nearly hit by the vehicle. She said she was walking her dog by Secret Seconds when she heard “hard squealing” before seeing the vehicle coming towards her. She stated she had to jump towards the grass and thought the vehicle was going to hit her because it was coming right at her. 

Peterson is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment and DUI first offense. His bond was set at $25,000. 

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