Missoula Man With a Suspended License Gets 5th DUI Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 26, 2023, at approximately 1:10 a.m., a Missoula Police Department officer was at the intersection of Ryman Street and Main Street when he observed a stopped vehicle. The vehicle did not have its headlights activated and did not continue through the intersection when it was the driver’s right of way.  

The officer flashed his high beams to indicate to the driver that it was their turn to proceed. The vehicle then turned without utilizing its turn signal. After the vehicle turned, the officer activated his emergency lights. The vehicle did not react to the emergency lights, so the officer activated his siren.  

After the driver pulled over, the officer identified the driver as 36-year-old Kyle Verhovshek. The officer observed that Verhovshek had watery eyes and a dazed look. The officer then asked Verhovshek for his driver's license, registration, and proof of insurance. While Verhovshek looked for the requested documents, the officer asked Verhovshek how much alcohol he had consumed that evening. At first, Verhovshek was unresponsive to the questions, but Verhovshek eventually stated he had “enough to…you know.”  

The officer asked Verhovshek to clarify his statement, but Verhovshek did not answer and had a blank expression on his face. Verhovshek continued to look for the requested documents. At one point, the officer could see Verhovshek’s insurance card in his hand, but Verhovshek put that back in the glove box with the other paperwork he had. 

Verhovshek eventually abandoned the search for the documents and asked if he could shut his vehicle off and step out from it. While attempting to shut his vehicle off, he first grabbed the light control, then turned the key off, and then turned his lights off. Verhovshek restarted the vehicle and attempted to roll his window up, but couldn't fully roll it up. 

Eventually, Verhovshek got out of the vehicle and stood near the officer. According to the officer, Verhovshek had trouble standing still and staggered when he walked. As the officer stood with Verhovshek, he could smell a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person. 

Verhovshek refused to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Testing and refused to take a Preliminary Breath Test. The officer discovered Verhovshek had four prior convictions for Driving Under the Influence and that his driver’s license was suspended. The officer applied for and was granted a warrant for Verhovshek’s blood. Court documents indicate the results of that blood test are still pending. 

Verhovshek is currently being charged with felony DUI and driving with a suspended license. 

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