Missoula County Deputies are actively involved in a manhunt that began at 1:30 P.M. today, August 10 after a suspect fled from a traffic stop.

“One of our deputies tried to initiate a traffic stop at Mullan and North Reserve and the vehicle immediately sped away and was pursued all the way to Third Street West and Tower Street,” said Missoula County Sheriff’s Department Public Information Officer Brenda Bassett. “Dispatch was reporting that the driver was going over 100 miles per hour during parts of this chase until they ended up crashing.”

The car crashed into some trees and brush, causing little damage. After the crash the suspect fled, while the passenger was surrounded by law enforcement.

“The driver fled on foot and the passenger was held at gunpoint, just until he could be taken into custody,” Bassett said. “Right now we have a perimeter of several blocks around the area. The suspect who fled was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, blue jeans and a blue hat. We’re just asking the public to avoid the area if at all possible.”

A dog is being used to track the scent of the suspect. The passenger is undergoing questioning and it is unclear if the passenger will face prosecution.

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