Montana Driver Caught Napping With Whiskey and a Stolen Ride

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 31, 2026, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was purchasing a beverage at the Town Pump in Lolo when he was informed by an employee that a vehicle had been parked at the gas pumps for several hours. The deputy observed a 1996 White Chevy Tahoe with an Idaho license plate.  

Within the rear seat of the vehicle, the deputy observed a male asleep with the keys on the center console. The deputy further observed a fifth of Black Velvet whiskey in the cupholder, which appeared to be approximately 1/3 full. The deputy woke the male up to make contact. The male was identified as 34-year-old Tyler Powers. Prior to opening the vehicle door, Powers placed his coat over the bottle of whiskey, which appeared to be an attempt to conceal it.  

The deputy introduced himself and asked Powers what was going on. Powers stated he was just hanging out. When asked how long he had been there, Powers stated about an hour. However, the deputy noted that the employee said it had been approximately 4.5 hours.  

Upon inquiry, Powers stated he had driven there and had been drinking. The deputy noted a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage and further that Powers’s eyes were bloodshot and watery. The deputy asked Powers to step out of his vehicle. The deputy instructed Powers on the standardized field sobriety tests and observed 9/18 indicators of impairment.  

Then the deputy read Powers the PAST Advisory and Powers agreed to provide a breath sample, which registered as .16 BAC. The deputy found Powers had no priors but did have a suspended driver’s license. The deputy then read Powers the Implied Consent Advisory and requested a breath sample, for which Powers consented. While enroute to the jail, Powers stated the bottle of alcohol was “his breakfast.” Once at the jail, Powers provided a .12 BAC on the Intoxilyzer. 

Later in the day, the deputy was informed via dispatch that Powers’ father, Mr. Powers, had made contact and was the registered owner of the Chevy Tahoe. He reported that he woke up and noticed his vehicle was gone. Mr. Powers said his son was at his house the night before, but was never allowed access to his vehicle. Mr. Powers said his son had gotten heavily intoxicated and was supposed to go to sleep in the camper located on the property. However, at some point, Powers gained access to the keys and took the vehicle. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Powers is currently being charged with felony theft of property of a light vehicle, DUI first offense, and driving with a suspended license.  

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