Missoula Deputy Catches Drunk Driver Who Pulled Up Right Beside Him

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On July 24, 2026, at approximately 1:10 a.m., a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was patrolling on Nine Mile Prairie Road and pulled off to the right side of the roadway. Soon after, the deputy observed a white sedan pull onto the road from Highway 200. The vehicle, which was traveling toward the deputy, also then pulled off to the right side of the roadway.  

The deputy found the behavior highly unusual and suspicious, as it was 1:00 in the morning. After sitting there facing one another for some time, the driver of the vehicle slowly approached the deputy’s position. The deputy rolled his window down to verify the driver was okay. As the driver was passing by, the deputy noticed there was no front plate on the vehicle and that the driver appeared heavily intoxicated. Specifically, the driver had a dazed expression on his face, bloodshot eyes, and did not respond when the deputy asked if he was okay.  

The deputy told the driver to pull over, turned around, activated his emergency lights, and conducted a traffic stop. The deputy approached the vehicle on the driver's side, introduced himself, and asked the driver what was going on with him. The driver, later identified as 46-year-old Dustin Berthoud, was hanging his head out of his vehicle. Berthoud stated he was going home. When the deputy asked Berthoud where he was coming from, Berthoud stated he was coming from work.  

Get our free mobile app

Berthoud continued by telling the deputy he was going to employee housing. While speaking with Berthoud, the deputy noticed he appeared to be having a difficult time forming sentences. The deputy could smell an odor of an alcoholic beverage and noticed Berthoud’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, and he continued to have a dazed expression on his face.  

The deputy then explained the reason for the stop and requested Berthoud’s driver’s license. After several attempts to get his license, Berthoud was unable to provide it. At one point, Berthoud opened the door and apologized for not having a "front driver's license."  

The deputy then requested Berthoud perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), which Berthoud agreed to perform. The deputy then asked Berthoud if he had anything to drink, and Berthoud stated he had one or two beers.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

During SFST's, Berthoud exhibited 15 out of 18 possible clues indicating impairment. The deputy then requested a preliminary breath test, which Berthoud agreed to provide. Dustin provided a breath sample of .215 BrAC. Based on the totality of his observations and investigation, the deputy advised Berthoud that he was under arrest for DUI.  

The deputy then read Berthoud the Implied Consent Advisory and requested a blood test, which Berthoud agreed to provide. The deputy transported Berthoud to St. Patrick Hospital, where two vials of blood were drawn.  

Berthoud 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.