Unconscious at the Wheel: Felony DUI Incident in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On May 2, 2025, at approximately 12:05 p.m., officers with the Missoula Police Department responded to the Mullan Station Town Pump after a 911 caller reported finding a male passed out inside a vehicle in front of the business. The complainant stated the male did not respond when she knocked on his window, and she was uncertain whether the male was breathing.  

Upon arrival, an officer found the male, identified as 61-year-old Steven Harrison, unconscious inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not running and was parked on the west side of the liquor store. The officer approached the vehicle and observed that the driver’s side door was cracked open. Harrison was sitting reclined in the driver’s seat.  

The officer knocked on the vehicle, but Harrison did not wake. The officer then jostled the driver’s side door against Harrison’s knee, which succeeded in rousing him. Harrison sat up and opened his watery eyes. The officer smelled the strong odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle and then from Harrison’s person when Harrison spoke.  

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Harrison’s speech was slurred, and he appeared disoriented. Harrison seemed to have a difficult time answering questions and could not provide a clear answer about what he was doing. Harrison also struggled when he attempted to retrieve his ID from his pocket.  

The officer asked Harrison where his keys were. Harrison pulled his keys out of the ignition. The officer informed Harrison that he was in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol. Harrison argued that he was only sleeping and had done nothing wrong. The officer asked Harrison to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety tests. Harrison refused both requests.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Two officers had to pull Harrison out of the vehicle by his arms. The officer read Harrison the PAST advisory, and Harrison refused to provide a breath sample. The officer arrested Harrison and walked him to the front of his patrol vehicle. Harrison struggled to walk and almost fell down multiple times. The officer then read Harrison Implied Consent. Harrison refused to provide a blood sample.  

The officer obtained a search warrant for a sample of Harrison’s blood. After a blood draw at St. Patrick Hospital, Harrison was remanded to jail. According to court documents, Harrison’s criminal history shows three prior DUI/BAC convictions out of Arizona. He is currently being charged with felony DUI.  

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