Wrong-way Drunk Driver Nearly Hits Patrol Vehicle in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 31, 2026, Missoula Police Department officers were conducting a traffic stop on Main Street when they observed a wrong-way driver pass them. An officer observed the wrong-way driver coming towards them, and he stepped into the roadway to shine his flashlight to alert the wrong-way driver. The vehicle did not stop even though both officers' top lights were illuminated. The other officer also activated his siren, and the driver proceeded between both patrol vehicles, coming within two or three feet of striking one head-on. 

Then the vehicle proceeded to drive east on Main, then south on Higgins at a very high rate of speed. Officers observed the license plate and radioed other officers that information. Officers attempted to follow the wrong-way driver, who continued to flee from marked patrol vehicles with overhead lights activated.  

The driver continued to flee. One officer noted that he was traveling in excess of 70 mph while in pursuit of the vehicle, noting the vehicle was pulling away from him to such an extent that he was losing sight of it. The officer noted the suspect vehicle proceeded at a high rate of speed through the controlled intersections of Front St, Broadway, Spruce St, and through the Orange St underpass before losing control and spinning out at the roundabout near I90. 

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The vehicle was occupied by two males. The driver exited the vehicle with his hands raised and surrendered without incident. The male who exited the driver's seat was identified as 20-year-old Holden Love. 

An officer observed a pack of Twisted Tea alcoholic beverages that appeared to be open within the vehicle. Love told the officer that he had consumed one Twisted Tea. Love consented to participate in the SFSTs. Officer Ferris observed 4/6 indicators of impairment on the HGN test, and due to Love’s previous flight, Officer Ferris did not take Love out of handcuffs and thus did not have Love perform the other two tests.  

Love was read the PAST Advisory and provided a PBT of .140 BAC. Officer Ferris then read Love the Implied Consent Advisory, and Love consented to a blood draw. Love was transported to St. Patrick Hospital, where a blood draw was conducted. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

An officer asked Love if he observed his patrol vehicle and lights during the pursuit. Love stated he saw the patrol vehicle. The officer asked if Love heard the siren, and Love stated he did not. Love said something along the lines of he wanted to stop but then just blacked it out and kept going. When asked why he did that, Love stated he has fled from officers before, has had bad experiences with law enforcement in the past, and was scared. 

Love was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony aggravated fleeing or eluding an officer, DUI first offense, driving with a suspended license, and obscuring the identity of a machine. His bond was set at $25,000. 

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