Pedestrian Narrowly Escapes as Driver Runs Red Light

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 4:20 p.m. on September 2, 2025, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to a call of a motor vehicle crash with injury. The officer arrived and inspected the vehicle, a white flatbed pickup belonging to 60-year-old Robert Grenfell. 

The officer was able to see two 20-oz empty cans of Mike’s Harder Lemonade on the floor of the passenger side. Robert was the only occupant at the time of the collision. When crossing Russell and 5th, Robert said the other driver in the crash ran a red light, and he struck her vehicle. Robert said he was sure his light was green.

The officer observed Robert to have bloodshot watery eyes and constricted pupils at this time. Robert was also lying on the ground and had slow physical movements. From information provided by other officers and investigators on scene, Robert’s story contradicted three other identified witnesses to the crash.

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Witnesses Explain What Happened 

The witnesses said Robert was driving in the center median of the road and was driving at least 45 miles per hour. The witnesses said that Robert ran a red light as he headed southbound on Russell. It was reported that Robert did not brake, thus crashing into the side of the vehicle that was crossing westbound on 5th St. Two witnesses reported a pedestrian was crossing the roadway and had to jump out of the way so Robert did not hit them. 

The officer asked Robert if he had anything to drink today. Robert said the cans must have been from this past weekend because he hadn’t had anything to drink today.  

Robert agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests to ensure he was safe to be driving. The officer observed 4/6 standardized clues on the horizontal gaze nystagmus test. Robert stated that he was feeling unwell and needed to sit down, and ultimately declined requests to perform the walk and turn and one-legged stand tests.  

Robert Refused to Provide Breath and Blood Samples 

The officer read Robert the preliminary breath testing advisory, and Robert refused to provide a breath sample. Robert was taken to the hospital, and the officer read him the implied consent advisory there. Robert refused to provide a blood sample. The officer later obtained a warrant and collected a blood sample. 

According to court documents, Robert’s history shows prior impaired driving convictions in 2001, 1999, and 1984, and implied consent suspensions in 2003, 1999, and 1984. Robert’s criminal history also shows a DUI conviction in Colorado in 2006. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Robert was arrested and charged with felony criminal endangerment, felony DUI, and failure to obey red traffic signals. This case was filed directly to District Court, and his bond was set at $50,000. 

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