Unlicensed Driver Had a BAC of .269, 5th DUI Arrest in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 13, 2024, at approximately 11:43 PM, a Missoula Police Department Officer observed a green Subaru fail to make a complete stop at the Intersection of Ryman and Front Street. Then the vehicle failed to make a complete stop at a red light before turning south on Higgins Ave. 

The officer continued to follow the vehicle as it drove across the Bear Tracks Bridge. The vehicle crossed over the center divider line, remained straddling the line for several seconds, and then returned to its lane. The vehicle then crossed over the fog line, straddled the two lanes, activated its right turn signal in the middle of the lane, and remained in the left lane.  

The officer activated his emergency lights. The vehicle stopped at a green light at the intersection of 6th Street and Higgins Ave and remained stopped until the light cycled from red back to green. The vehicle eventually turned right into the Bitterroot Flower Shop parking lot, stopped, pulled forward, stopped, pulled forward, and then parked. 

The officer exited his patrol vehicle and made contact with the male driver and the passenger. The officer asked the male to provide his driver’s license, proof of insurance and vehicle registration. The driver stated he did not have a driver’s license and the vehicle belonged to his aunt. The officer asked the driver if he had a valid driver’s license, but he stated he did not. The driver identified himself as 36-year-old Francis Kickingwoman. 

While speaking with Kickingwoman, the officer observed his eyes to be red and watery and his speech was slurred. Then the officer asked Kickingwoman how much alcohol he had consumed prior to driving. According to court documents, Kickingwoman admitted to drinking four or five drinks two hours earlier.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The officer asked Kickingwoman to exit the vehicle. Kickingwoman had difficulty opening the door and exiting the vehicle. Kickingwoman agreed to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. He exhibited 14 out of 14 clues of impairment during the first two tests and could not complete the third test. Kickingwoman also provided a breath sample of .269BrAC, which is over three times the legal limit.

Kickingwoman was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony DUI because he had four prior DUI convictions. 

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