Driver received several additional citations

SEELEY LAKE – In addition to the citations issued by Montana Highway Patrol Billy Munoz, the driver of the white Ford Taurus, who was reported driving recklessly and later rolled the vehicle on Cedar Lane Aug. 13, received four citations from Missoula County Sheriff's Office Deputy Heath Hanson. Hanson shared more of the story to the "High speed chase ends with no injuries" run in the Aug. 19 issue https://www.seeleylake.com/story/2021/08/19/news/high-speed-chase-ends-with-no-injuries/7688.html. Munoz clarified that the crash was not the result of a high-speed chase.

Hanson said he received an initial complaint of bad driving around 3:50 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13. He sought out the car to pull him over, identify the driver and warn them.

When he initiated the oncoming traffic stop on Black Bear Drive, the driver failed to yield and "clearly hit the gas instead of the brake." Hanson had to turn around before pursuing the white Ford Taurus. By the time he was out in the open, the driver was driving "way too fast" on Black Bear and they made a left onto Whitetail Drive, headed into the Double Arrow.

"It was fast speeds and it wasn't safe at that time," Hanson said explaining why he didn't pursue them any further. "They were far enough ahead of me." Hanson said.

Hanson put out the word to local law enforcement regarding the vehicle.

Around 7:15 p.m., Hanson received another call about the same vehicle coming down Airport Road headed towards the highway. The caller stayed on the line and continued to provide updates to Hanson as the car turned up Tamarack Drive and then headed down Cedar Lane.

Hanson turned off Highway 83 onto Cedar Lane. He put on his top lights and blocked the road with his vehicle so they couldn't speed past him and elude him again. The car slowed and took a hard left onto private property at 219 Cedar Lane where the car continued for more than 200 feet before rolling.

"It wasn't even really a pursuit, they were just headed off road at that time," Hanson said. "They clearly decided they weren't going to stop and they were going to try and elude me again but it didn't work out for them."

Hanson cited the driver with several misdemeanors including eluding a peace officer from earlier in the day, reckless driving, attempted eluding that evening and trespassing on the private property. Because they were misdemeanors for a non-violent crime, neither the driver nor passenger were arrested.

"It was poor decision making on the driver's part but luckily we caught them before someone got hurt," Hanson said.

Trooper Munoz investigated the crash. He said neither of the two involved in the accident were impaired. He issued four citations: no seat belt, no driver's license, displaying plates assigned to another vehicle and no proof of insurance. The vehicle was not registered to either of the occupants.