Missoula Police Officer Fires a Single Shot at High Speed Chase Suspect
At around 11:35 a.m. on Sunday, Missoula police officers were alerted to a reckless driver who was traveling at more than 100 mph on I-90. The suspect vehicle entered the Missoula city limits and struck a motorist who was traveling on the off ramp. MPD Lieutenant Eddie McLean explains.
“Once inside of the city limits, the suspect continued driving erratically, and multiple people called 911 to report his continued reckless driving behavior. Officers located the suspect vehicle at Orange Street and West Broadway and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect failed to yield, and officers began a pursuit. The suspect continued his erratic and reckless driving behavior. Officers successfully deployed spike strips at Mount Avenue and Reserve Street, and the suspect stopped his vehicle at the intersection of South Third Street West and Reserve Street.”
According to McLean, the suspect was not compliant with officers’ commands, and an officer fired a single shot at the suspect.
“The suspect was not struck by the round. He was taken into custody once other officers arrived. No officers or other parties were injured during this incident. The suspect was identified as Kelwin Laststar, who is currently being held at the Missoula County Detention Facility on the charges of Criminal Endangerment, DUI, Resisting Arrest and Assault on a Peace Officer. The MPD is investigating Laststar’s actions prior to the shooting.”
The Montana Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations is investigating the shooting. KGVO will provide more information about this incident when it becomes available.