Probationer Caught With Meth During Missoula Traffic Stop

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 31, 2025, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was patrolling in the area of Hwy 200 and Staple. The deputy was aware that the apartments located on that corner are known for drugs. The deputy noticed a car leaving the apartments that was driving on the wrong side of the road.  

After running the license plate, the deputy found the car to be registered to 68-year-old John Cave, a probationer. Shortly thereafter, the deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Hwy 200 and Clyde.  

The driver was identified as Cave, and his passenger was also identified. While Cave was looking for his insurance and registration, the deputy asked Cave where he was coming from, and Cave stated that he was coming from Carter’s place. The deputy noted that he knows Carter to be a known drug user.

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The deputy confirmed that Cave was on probation, and when asked, Cave stated he is on probation for the distribution of dangerous drugs. When asked about recent drug tests, Cave stated he had tested positive for meth three days prior. The deputy then contacted the on-call probation officer, who requested a search of Cave and his vehicle.  

Another deputy arrived to assist in the search. While searching Cave’s vehicle, deputies found two small round peach colored pills that were wrapped in plastic from a pack of cigarettes. They also found a pack of cigarettes that contained methamphetamine in a plastic wrapper and a glass pipe.  

The deputy went over to Cave, who stated, “Clean right?” When Cave was informed no, Cave stated his passenger was a friend, was transient, and that their preferred drug of choice is meth.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The deputy read Cave his Miranda rights and then informed him of the pills that were found. According to court documents, Cave stated that they were 15 mg morphine pills and that he has a prescription for them. Cave also stated the pills had been sitting in the car for six months.  

Cave denied ownership of the meth and then asked for a cigarette before he went to jail. While smoking the cigarette, Cave stated the meth belonged to his passenger and that he gets his meth from someone at the Johnson Street shelter. 

Cave was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with two counts of felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. 

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