Missoula Crime Report: Spike in DUI Charges Over the Weekend

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - The Missoula County Attorney’s Office filed 17 new felony complaints this week, which is one more than last week and right around the weekly average. According to County Attorney Matt Jennings, there were seven violent crimes, one endangerment crime, six property crimes, two drug crimes, and one administrative crime. 

“We break down our violent crimes, and four of those were situations of family violence, partners or loved ones getting abusive with one another,” Jennings said. “They almost always involve alcohol or drugs. We had three instances of non-family violence.” 

Jennings said there were an alarming number of DUIs last weekend. 

“When we came in on Tuesday morning, over last weekend, there were 14 misdemeanor DUIs that were charged into Justice Court,” Jennings said. “That doesn't even include DUIs that occurred in the city of Missoula. Those are prosecuted separately from us by the city attorney's office. I'm guessing that there were probably a few dozen DUIs issued last weekend. We're always happy folks are out there having fun, but they can't drink and drive. They're going to get caught eventually, and they will be prosecuted.” 

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Jennings added that the number of DUIs always seems to increase during the summer as the weather transitions. 

“People are out longer on longer days,” Jennings said. “We know that people travel more during the summer time. There are more celebratory events like the 4th of July coming up, or vacations that occur, and a lot of barbecues. We see those instances of people out there trying to have a good time and then going a little bit too far and getting behind the wheel. The best way to prevent that is to plan ahead, make sure that you have a designated driver, and that you have an alternative ride home.” 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Jennings reiterated that DUIs are a completely preventable crime. 

“We lose almost a couple of dozen people to DUI accidents a year in Missoula County,” Jennings said. “They die. We talk a lot about things like gun violence or homicide, but Missoula County really only averages about two or three homicides a year. But we get a couple of dozen DUI fatalities each year. Those are the things that break my heart. Frankly, I get tired of reading those reports and seeing things that could have been prevented.” 

The Missoula County Attorney’s Office provides a weekly crime report every Friday morning at 9:00 on Talk Back. You can listen to Jennings’ full report below: