Missoula Man Tries to Slip Handcuffs During DUI Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 22, 2023, at around 11:00 p.m., a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy observed a vehicle drive eastward across all five lanes of Reserve St. from Old U.S. Hwy 93. The deputy noticed the vehicle did not have functional taillights and he began to follow the suspect vehicle. 

The deputy observed the suspect vehicle stop at the McDonald Ave. intersection despite there being no stop sign. The deputy initiated his emergency lights to stop the suspect vehicle and noticed it traveled for an additional block before coming to a stop.  

The deputy approached the suspect vehicle and knocked on the window. The sole male occupant had a delayed reaction in rolling the window down. The deputy immediately noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle and further noticed the male occupant’s eyes were watery and bloodshot. The male’s speech was slurred, and the deputy had to instruct him twice to retrieve his registration and proof of insurance.  

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The male driver was identified from his driver’s license as 36-year-old Cordel Ogan. The deputy asked Ogan to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and Ogan agreed. The deputy observed 16 out of 18 possible indicators of impairment. 

The deputy advised Ogan of the PAST advisory but Ogan refused to provide a preliminary breath test. The deputy placed Ogan under arrest and read him the Implied Consent Advisory. Ogan refused to provide a breath or blood sample.  

The deputy applied for and was granted a search warrant for a sample of Ogan’s blood. The deputy transported Ogan to St. Patrick’s Hospital for a blood draw. While at the hospital, Ogan attempted to slip his handcuffs over his feet.  

Following the blood draw, Ogan was booked into the Missoula County Detention Facility. The blood sample is awaiting further testing from the Montana State Crime Lab. The deputy ran Ogan’s information through Dispatch and discovered three prior DUI convictions. Ogan is currently being charged with felony DUI, which is a fourth or subsequent offense. 

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