Pursuit on Highway 93 Reaches Speeds of 120 MPH

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 31, 2025, a CSKT Officer was on patrol, parked near a pullout across from the Gray Wolf Peak Casino. While parked stationery pointing towards Highway 93, the officer observed a dark colored Jeep SUV driving southbound. Inside the Jeep, the officer observed a male he recognized, 41-year-old Merlin Mapston. The officer knew from prior interactions with Mapston that his license was suspended. Additionally, the officer knew Mapston's identity because he had previously pulled Mapston over in the Jeep. 

The officer pulled onto Highway 93, driving southbound, and the Jeep appeared to have picked up speed. As the officer got closer, Mapston drove into the opposite lane of traffic to go around vehicles. The road was painted with two solid yellow lines, indicating that it was not a passing area. Then the officer activated his lights and siren to initiate a traffic stop. By this point in time, Mapston was a significant distance in front of the officer who was traveling in excess of 120 miles per hour, attempting to catch up to him. 

As they approached the bottom of Evaro Hill, the officer was able to close the distance between himself and Mapston, but they were still traveling at a speed of 123 miles per hour. As the pursuit continued south, Mapston got parallel with a semi-truck tanker trailer before driving behind the semi-truck. Mapston attempted to turn off Highway 93 onto O'Keefe Creek Boulevard, but he was traveling at too high a speed, causing him to crash into the ditch and some fencing. Prior to Missoula County Sheriff's Office Deputies' arrival on the scene, the officer had Mapston at gunpoint before successfully placing him under arrest. 

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The officer conducted a pat search of Mapston, which resulted in the discovery of a glass pipe and a clear plastic baggie containing the residue of methamphetamine. Mapston was placed in the back of a deputy’s patrol vehicle. 

A deputy proceeded to the crashed vehicle that was driven by Mapston. While looking through the window, the deputy observed in plain view a glass pipe and two large Twisted Tea alcoholic beverages. Additionally, the deputy observed what appeared to be a large bong tucked in between the driver's seat and the center console. The deputy also observed two butane torches and a black revolver-style firearm on the driver's seat. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The deputy was granted a search warrant to collect a sample of Mapston's blood by Missoula County District Court Judge Jason Marks. Then Mapston was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony aggravated fleeing from or eluding a peacе officer. His bond was set at $25,000. 

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