Montana Man’s Drunk Driving Arrest Comes After Serious Accident

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 28, 2025, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper responded to a single-vehicle crash located at mile marker 18 on MT Highway 200. The trooper arrived at the scene and located a silver Ford F-150 that was upside down with an attached white travel trailer about 20 to 23 feet in length. The eastbound lane was blocked. 

The sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as 54-year-old Eric Lilienthal. The trooper spoke with on-scene emergency responders, who informed him that Eric was possibly impaired. After securing the crash scene, the trooper spoke with Eric.  

During the conversation, the trooper observed that Eric’s eyes were bloodshot and watery. Eric was also slurring his speech, and the trooper noted the smell of an alcoholic beverage emanating from Eric’s person. According to court documents, Eric acknowledged that he had consumed alcohol prior to driving.

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Trooper Tries to Conduct SFSTs 

The trooper conducted the Horizontal gaze Nystagmus Test and observed 6 out of 6 indicators of impairment. When asked to perform the Walk and Turn test, Eric refused and began to walk away. Eric refused further field sobriety testing and was placed under arrest for DUI.  

Then Eric was transported to St. Patrick Hospital. At the hospital, Eric became unruly and disruptive in the emergency room and got in the face of the doctor about a disagreement regarding a Cat Scan. Thereafter, Eric charged towards the trooper in a threatening manner and continued to be unruly, confrontational, and disruptive.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Based on his training and experience, the trooper knows that mood fluctuations and/or aggressive behavior are consistent with an individual who is impaired by alcohol. Eric was arrested and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. A review of Eric’s criminal history reveals three prior convictions for DUI. He is currently being charged with felony DUI. According to the jail, Eric’s bond was set at $50,000 for a warrant and $25,000 for the DUI. 

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