Missoula Drunk Driver Had No License, Insurance, or Registration

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 22, 2024, at around 9:48 PM, a Missoula Police Department Officer was patrolling in the Miller Creek area and stopped at a red light. A dark Ford SUV was in front of him. When the light turned green, the SUV accelerated at a high rate of speed. The officer determined from his radar that the SUV was traveling 40 mph in a 25 mph zone.  

As the SUV approached the Miller Creek Road roundabout, it entered the intersection at an unsafe speed and drove onto the roundabout’s curb. The officer initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as 49-year-old Jesse Sherouse. Sherouse admitted that he did not have a driver’s license, vehicle registration, or insurance information.  

The Officer Begins a DUI Investigation

The officer observed numerous open alcohol containers in his vehicle, and the strong odor of alcohol coming from the SUV. The officer also observed a large bag of marijuana in the front passenger seat. According to court documents, it was in a clear Ziploc-style bag, as opposed to a lawfully sealed dispensary bag. 

Sherouse stated he had two beers at 6 PM, followed by “two banquets at 6 PM.” When asked about the marijuana, Sherouse stated he “smoke[s] occasionally, okay, but I don’t think I’m under the influence, okay.” The officer detected the odor of alcohol coming from Sherouse as he spoke.  

Criminal History and New Charges

Sherouse refused to participate in Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, declined to provide a PBT sample, and declined to provide a blood sample. Dispatch advised the officer that Sherouse also has three previous DUI convictions. The officer applied for and was granted a search warrant for Sherouse’s blood. A blood sample was provided, and the results are pending. 

Court documents indicate Sherouse has an outstanding warrant in Missoula Municipal Court for a theft. He also has a pending traffic matter in Missoula County Justice Court. He has never appeared for either incident. 

Sherouse is currently being charged with felony DUI, unlawful possession of open alcoholic beverage in motor vehicle on highway, unlawful possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle on highway, failure to carry proof of liability insurance, driving without a valid driver's license, and failure to carry registration. 

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