Wrong-Way Driver on I-90 Almost Causes Head-on Crash

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 23, 2026, at approximately 2:41 a.m., a complainant called 911 to report a wrong-way driver on Interstate 90 near mile marker 82 in Missoula County. The caller also said the vehicle had its brights on. Shortly thereafter, dispatch received a second call from a separate driver. He said he saw a smaller dark colored SUV driving the wrong way on I-90 near mile marker 81. He said that he had to swerve out of the way to avoid a collision.

A Montana Highway Patrol Trooper was dispatched. While en route, the trooper was advised that Mineral County law enforcement pulled over a black Honda CR-V going the wrong way on I-90. The Honda was pulled over at mile marker 65 at approximately 3:07 a.m.  

The trooper checked with both Missoula County and Mineral County 911 dispatch. Mineral County 911 dispatch said they did not receive any calls during this timeframe for a vehicle driving the wrong way on I-90. Missoula County 911 dispatch advised they received just the two calls during this timeframe of a vehicle driving the wrong way on I-90.  

Identifying the Suspect

The trooper arrived on scene, and the Honda’s driver was identified as 25-year-old Kori Rodriguez. Rodriguez was the sole occupant of the vehicle and in the driver’s seat when initially stopped by Mineral County law enforcement. Rodriguez said she was driving home to Missoula after ending her work shift, despite heading westbound towards Idaho past Missoula.  

While speaking with Rodriguez, the trooper noticed that Rodriguez smelled of alcohol, was stumbling, was slurring her words, and did not appear as though she could stand. The trooper also observed open containers of white claw alcoholic beverages and bar drinks in the vehicle.  

Rodriguez was placed under arrest. Due to the level of apparent intoxication and probable cause for criminal endangerment, the trooper elected not to administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Rodriguez was read the Implied Consent Advisory, and she refused testing. The trooper applied for and was granted a search warrant for Rodriguez’s blood. Rodriguez was transported to the hospital for a blood draw. After the blood draw, Rodriguez was then transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility.

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports 

Given the severity of the conduct and risk to the public, the State requested that her bail be set at $100,000. Rodriguez is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment and unlawful possession of an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle on a highway. 

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