Speeding Drunk Driver Gets Arrested for His 6th DUI in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On November 7, 2024, at approximately 11:33 PM, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper was patrolling east on Highway 10 W and observed a vehicle approaching him at a high rate of speed. The trooper estimated the speed and used his front-facing antennae in opposite direction mode to verify the speed of the Toyota Tacoma to be 74 mph in a 55-mph zone.  

Then the trooper conducted a traffic stop. When he approached the vehicle, he smelled consumed alcohol and vomit coming from inside. The driver of the vehicle was identified as 35-year-old Karl Dion Smith Jr.  

The trooper further observed Smith Jr. to have bloodshot and watery eyes and noted Smith Jr.’s speech was slurred. The trooper also observed an empty bottle of black velvet and a container of THC vape cartridge on the front passenger floorboard.

The trooper asked Smith Jr. to exit the vehicle and participate in the standardized field sobriety tests. During the testing, The trooper observed 6/6 indicators of impairment on the HGN test, as well as the presence of VGN. Smith Jr. refused to participate in the walk and turn due to a toe injury. Next, Smith Jr. attempted the one-leg stand, but ultimately refused to continue the test.  

The trooper read Smith Jr. the PAST Advisory and Smith Jr. refused to provide a PBT. Smith Jr. was placed under arrest and read the Implied Consent Advisory, again refusing the breath test.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Then the trooper applied for and was granted a search warrant for Smith Jr.’s blood. Smith Jr. was transported to St. Pat’s, where a legal blood draw was conducted. Then he was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. 

According to court documents, Smith Jr. has five prior DUI convictions. He is currently being charged with felony DUI, unlawful possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle on a highway, and speeding. His bond was set at $5,000. 

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