Wrong-way Drunk Driver Crashes in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 1, 2026, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to the area of West Broadway Street and Russell Street for a report of a vehicle crash. Dispatch received multiple calls regarding a red truck with a red topper. At around 8:42, one 911 reported that the truck was driving the wrong way. Two minutes later, another 911 caller reported that her vehicle was struck by a red truck that ran a red light. 

An officer arrived on scene and observed the truck and another SUV behind it. The truck had damage to the front passenger side while the SUV had significantly more damage to the left front. The driver of the truck was identified as 65-year-old John Lee Jr. 

Another officer arrived on scene and was told that there was a slight odor of alcohol emanating from John. The officer asked John about what occurred during the crash. John said he was heading to the Poverello Center, where he lives, and could not remember where he was coming from. John denied consuming alcohol and denied taking medications. The officer was initially unsure if John was involved in the crash due to medical ailments or impairment, so medical was contacted to arrive on scene. 

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Initial Observations: The Role of Alcohol in the Crash

While speaking with John, the officer noted a moderate odor of alcohol coming from John’s person. While continuing the conversation, the officer lost the scent of alcohol as an overwhelming smell of dirty clothes and body odor also emanated from John. The officer also noticed that John was shifting side to side and was struggling to maintain his balance.  

The officer walked over to the truck and observed the driver’s side window was partially rolled down. The officer noted he could smell a powerful odor of urine coming from the vehicle. 

During the medical assessment, the officer determined John had a warrant for his arrest for failing to register his address as a violent/sexual offender. Medical staff determined John’s blood pressure, oxygen level, and blood sugar were all at normal levels. Medical staff did not find any results that John suffered from a stroke or other medical event. Medical staff asked John to go to the hospital due to John’s statements he could not remember the events prior to the crash.  

The officer accompanied John to the ambulance. While going to the ambulance, the officer observed John’s eyelids were droopy to the point John’s eyes were barely open. John fell asleep and was drooling on himself on the way to the hospital. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

While at the hospital, the doctor who met with John inquired about alcohol consumption. John again denied consumption. The doctor noted he smelled the odor of alcohol coming from John’s person.  

At the hospital, the officer had John go through the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. During the HGN test, John indicated six out of six clues of impairment. The officer did not conduct any other SFST’s as John was in a wheelchair at this time.  

The officer determined there was probable cause that John was under the influence. The officer read John the Implied Consent Advisory and John agreed to provide a blood sample. The blood draw was conducted and then John was transported to jail.  

John is currently being charged with felony DUI. His criminal history indicates that he has three prior DUI convictions. His bond was set at $40,000. 

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