Ex-boyfriend Steals Car, Leads Missoula Police On a Wild Chase

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 9th, 2026, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was dispatched to a report of a stolen vehicle made by Jane Doe. Doe stated that she had broken up with 44-year-old Aaron Gago, told him he was not welcome at her residence, and could no longer use her vehicle.  

On January 8, Doe returned home from work and noticed her vehicle was missing. Doe further observed that her back sliding door was unlocked and her car keys were gone. Doe stated she had tried to get ahold of Gago several times but was unsuccessful. Doe’s vehicle was valued at $30,000.  

On January 13, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper was patrolling in the area of the Frenchtown Pond State Park in Missoula County. The trooper saw the stolen vehicle in the parking lot, and the driver lowered his head in an apparent attempt to avoid observation.  

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The trooper conducted a traffic stop and approached the driver’s side, where he immediately smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle and observed the driver had glossy eyes. The trooper asked the driver to shut the vehicle off. The driver, later identified as Gago, did not comply, instead placing the vehicle in drive and accelerating away from the stop.  

As the vehicle began to move forward, the trooper was forced to quickly move his foot away from the vehicle to avoid being run over, which would have caused serious bodily injury. The trooper then began pursuing the vehicle, watching Gago drive eastbound on the Frenchtown Frontage Road, through a clearly marked school zone, with a limit of 35 mph at estimated speeds of 100 mph. The trooper noted school was in session during this time.  

Throughout the pursuit, the trooper observed Gago committing multiple traffic violations, including reckless driving, speeding, passing vehicles that were yielding to the trooper’s emergency lights, and failing to stop at posted stop signs.  

Gago continued fleeing before turning into a residential subdivision and onto Le Mazion Place, which was known to have a single point of entry and exit. Eventually, Gago came to a stop and was ordered out of the vehicle after backup arrived. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

The trooper observed several Truly alcoholic beverage cans within the vehicle, including one that appeared half consumed. Gago was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility for the SFSTs. According to court documents, Gago admitted to consuming a small drink earlier in the day. The trooper instructed Gago on the SFSTs, and he observed 5/18 indicators of impairment. Gago was read the PAST Advisory and provided a BrAC of 0.027.  

Gago has an extensive criminal history, which includes theft, coercion, aggravated assault, violation of conditions, domestic violence, trespass, forgery, larceny, and drug possession. 

Gago is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment, felony theft of property of a light vehicle, felony burglary, fleeing from a peace officer, and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.  

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