
Missoula Police Chase: Close Call for Pedestrian and More
Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 12, 2025, a Missoula Police Department Officer was patrolling the area of Brooks and Garfield when he observed a white Chrysler 300 turn without signaling. The officer observed that the driver, 29-year-old Leonard Edmo, jerked back and forth between the lane markers. The vehicle then appeared to hit a concrete curb as it approached the intersection of Russell and Brooks.
The officer initiated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle accelerated rapidly and turned onto Oxford. The vehicle ran the stop sign at Oxford and Kent and turned west on Kent. Then the vehicle ran the stop sign at Kent and Russell and turned northbound on Russell.
The officer reported that the relative speeds of his vehicle and the Chrysler 300 exceeded 90 miles per hour. The vehicle crossed into oncoming traffic as his vehicle approached the intersection of Russell and Lawrence, forcing two vehicles to the right-hand side of the road.
A Pedestrian is Nearly Hit
Then Edmo turned from Russell onto 1st. The officer observed a pedestrian walking on the side of Russell at this intersection. Edmo’s vehicle crossed the fog line, into the bicycle lane, at an estimated 5 to 6 feet in front of the pedestrian. The officer believed that Edmo knowingly subjected the pedestrian to a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury.
Once Edmo turned onto 1st, he swerved and lost control of the vehicle in the snow. The officer positioned his patrol car in front of the vehicle’s front bumper so Edmo could no longer continue to drive. Edmo bailed out of his vehicle and ran approximately 30 yards before slipping in the snow. The officer compelled Edmo to remain on the ground by exhibiting his department-issued Taser. Edmo complied with orders to remain on his stomach, allowing another officer to handcuff him.
Edmo asked the officer what he thought about his driving. According to court documents, Edmo then bragged that he was a good driver while he was “drunk as f**k.” Edmo admitted to being drunk and told the officer, “I drive good as f**k, dog.”
READ MORE: Missoula Police Seek Public's Help After Reckless Driver Incident
Officers Begin a DUI Investigation
The original officer returned to speak with Edmo and he noted the odor of alcohol emanating from Edmo’s person. Edmo declined to perform field sobriety exercises or to take a preliminary breath test. He also refused to provide a blood sample.
Edmo was transported to the Missoula Police Department and was placed in a holding cell. When acting with officers in his holding cell, a small baggie of methamphetamine fell from the vicinity of where Edmo’s sweatpants were tucked into his socks.
Edmo is currently being charged with two counts of felony criminal endangerment, felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, aggravated DUI second offense, fleeing from a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer, and unlawful display of fictitious plates. His bond was set at $150,000.
The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.
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