Wrong Way Drunk Driver on Highway 93 in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On March 8, 2025, Missoula Police Department Officers were dispatched to a report of an intoxicated driver, later identified as 56-year-old Jake Covault, at a gas station on N. Orange Street. Covault was originally called into 911 by T.P., who called while she and her spouse, J.P. were traveling southbound on Highway 93.  

They observed a tan Jeep drive over the double yellow line and almost hit oncoming traffic. Approximately 50 minutes later, J.P. called 911 back to report that they had followed Covault to the gas station, where they observed Covault go over the curb before exiting the vehicle.  

J.P. said Covault produced a pistol and was holding it in his hand. J.P. described the handgun as a revolver with a barrel with an estimated length of 6-9 inches. J.P. reported that Covault was so drunk that he could not stand. J.P. and T.P. reported repeatedly that they were surprised that Covault did not kill anyone while he was driving.  

An officer responded, parked his patrol vehicle behind Covault’s Jeep, activated his lights, drew his duty weapon, and gave Covault commands to exit his vehicle with his hands up. Covault had to be told several times to exit before he complied. The officer noticed that Covault was very unsteady on his feet when he exited and had difficulty maintaining his balance.  

The officer continued to give Covault commands and Covault either repeatedly ignored them or did the opposite of what he was instructed to do. Covault was so non-compliant, that eventually other officers had to approach Covault and take him to the ground so that he could be safely placed under arrest.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Report 

Once under arrest, the officer smelled an overwhelming odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Covault. When asked about the firearm, Covault stated it was in his vehicle and he gave consent for officers to retrieve the firearm. While looking for the firearm, an officer found an empty 375ml whiskey bottle on the front passenger seat. Then the officer found a .357 Magnum Ruger Revolver under the front passenger seat with six bullets in the cylinder.  

While officers were speaking with Covault, he was very vulgar and used repeated profane language. Covault was extremely uncooperative and had slow and slurred speech. An officer applied for and was granted a warrant for Covault’s blood. Covault was taken to the hospital for a blood draw and then was booked into the detention center. 

Covault is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment and DUI first offense. 

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