Impaired Montana Man Drove the Wrong Way for 14 Miles

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 25, 2026, at approximately 12:16 AM, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper was dispatched to a wrong-way driver on US 93N. The wrong-way driver was later found to be 53-year-old Dennis Plant, and he was driving a Ford Taurus. The initial caller reported that Plant was observed around mile marker 16 and ultimately made contact with the trooper around mile marker 2.  

The second 911 caller said Plant nearly struck her vehicle, and she had to swerve to avoid a head-on collision. She also stated she had three passengers in her vehicle. The trooper observed Plant around mile marker 2 as he drove past another vehicle. The trooper estimated that Plant had driven southbound in the northbound lane of Highway 93N for approximately 14 miles.  

The trooper initiated a traffic stop and found that Plant was not wearing a seatbelt. The trooper observed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Plant’s person, bloodshot and watery eyes, as well as slurred/slow speech. The trooper noted Plant had to be removed from the vehicle and could barely stand on his own accord, without assistance. The trooper observed open containers in the vehicle, as well as an open bottle of Yukon Jack in Plant’s pocket.  

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Upon running Plant’s license plate, the trooper found the vehicle had no insurance. The trooper noted Plant was unable to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Then the trooper read Plant the Implied Consent Advisory. Plant initially refused and then consented.  

The trooper then transported Plant to the hospital for a blood draw. Upon arrival, Plant was unable to walk and needed the assistance of a wheelchair, as Plant was unable to walk or stand. Once inside the hospital, Plant again refused the blood draw. The trooper then applied for and was granted a search warrant for Plant’s blood.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

After the blood draw, Plant was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment, DUI third offense, unlawful possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle on the highway, failure to use a seatbelt, and operating without liability insurance. His bond was set at $10,000. 

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