Man Threatens to Kill Montana Trooper During DUI Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 8:44 p.m. on August 11, 2024, Missoula County Dispatch received a call regarding a crashed vehicle on U.S. Highway 12. Missoula Rural Fire arrived on scene first and located a crashed, unoccupied 1994 Dodge Caravan in the ditch near mile marker 11. Montana Highway Patrol troopers responded. While en route, they received a report from dispatch that the driver of the crashed vehicle had gotten into a white Lincoln Navigator and left the area.  

A trooper briefly checked the crashed Dodge Caravan and observed it was traveling westbound when it overcorrected and went off the right road edge. The vehicle contained several open and unopened cans of beer and an apparent liquor bottle under the driver’s seat.  

In the area of mile marker 8 on Highway 12, the troopers located a white Lincoln Navigator and initiated a stop. The trooper spoke with the occupants, one of whom was 33-year-old Juan Clemente. The other occupants of the vehicle described Clemente as having previously been driving a vehicle matching the description of the crashed Dodge Caravan. Clemente was having mood swings, and was uncooperative and combative.  

On the way to St. Patrick’s Hospital, Clemente threatened to kill the trooper and his family as soon as he was released from jail. Clemente was disorderly at the Hospital to the point that a restraint chair was required. Clemente was read the implied consent advisory at the Hospital and refused to provide a blood sample. A warrant blood draw was obtained and toxicology results are pending as of the time of filing. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports  

Clemente had bruising on his left collarbone consistent with having recently been in a motor vehicle crash while wearing a seatbelt. According to court documents, Clemente has prior convictions for DUI in October of 2023 and for driving with a suspended license in May of 2024. As of August 11, 2024, his license was suspended. 

Clemente was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony threats/improper influence in official and political matters, aggravated DUI, driving with a suspended license, and unlawful possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle on a highway. His bond was set at $75,000. 

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