Missoula Man was 'All Over' the Road, Arrested for His 5th DUI

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 26, 2024, at approximately 11:05 p.m., a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy observed a green Chevy Silverado traveling on Highway 83 near Seeley Lake without a license plate lamp illuminated. The deputy reported that the roadway in that area was covered in snow. He caught up with the vehicle and noticed its tracks were “all over.”

The deputy continued to follow the vehicle and observed it stop at a stop sign blocking on-coming traffic. The vehicle then made a turn and crossed over a visible yellow line for “a notable moment” before crossing back into the appropriate lane. It was then that the deputy initiated a traffic stop.

The deputy identified the driver as 45-year-old Jake Sorum. Sorum denied he was swerving all over the road and said he was not even on the road yet. The deputy believed Sorum’s confusing answer might have been a sign of impairment. The deputy also noticed that Sorum and his vehicle smelled strongly of alcohol. In fact, the deputy observed an open Coors beer can sitting in Sorum’s center console.

The Deputy Noticed More Signs of Driving Under the Influence

As the deputy continued to interact with Sorum, he noticed Sorum’s movements were “slow and methodical” and that he was slurring his words. Sorum also had bloodshot, watery eyes. According to court documents, Sorum bore a dazed expression and underwent mood swings during the stop.

At one point, Sorum’s vehicle started rolling backwards because he never placed it in “park.” The deputy asked Sorum to step out of the vehicle and Sorum had a hard time balancing. Sorum also admitted to consuming four drinks, “Turkey’s and water.” When asked if he should be driving, Sorum took a big breath, shrugged, and stated something along the lines of he was not sure yet.

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports

The Deputy Continued His DUI Investigation

The deputy attempted to initiate the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. Sorum demonstrated six out of six clues of impairment on the HGN Test. During that test, Sorum became argumentative and debated the facts of the case with the deputy. He also began swaying side to side in a circular motion.

Sorum refused to complete the Walk-and-Turn Test and demanded to be taken into custody. The deputy arrested Sorum for DUI and read him Implied Consent. Sorum refused to provide a sample for testing. The deputy obtained a blood warrant and transported Sorum to a local hospital. The deputy then took Sorum to the Missoula County Detention Center.

Sorum is currently being charged with felony DUI and unlawful possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle on a highway. Court documents indicate Sorum has four prior DUI convictions. On February 27, 2024, Sorum made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $10,000. He was bonded out later that same day.

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