Hit and Run Driver In Custody After Hitting Two Pedestrians

A Missoula woman is in custody after allegedly striking two pedestrians on Hillview Way at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Sergeant Michael Hebert with the Missoula Police Department said the first hit and run occurred near Chief Charlo Elementary School.

“Another driver observed the collision and followed the truck that struck yet another pedestrian on Hillview Way,” said Hebert. “Police found the truck near the intersection of Higgins and South Avenue but the driver refused to pull over. The truck went into the University District and onto Campus Drive where University of Montana Police used stop-sticks to flatten two of its tires near the University Center.”

Hebert said the truck still would not stop even though two of its tires had been flattened.

“The truck traveled at low speeds until it reached the north end of Washington Grizzly Stadium where officers were driving toward it from the other direction.

At that point, the driver surrendered to University of Montana police.

Hebert said both pedestrians, ages 59 and 34, were transported to local hospitals, one of whom sustained serious injuries. He said the Missoula Police Department is continuing its investigation, and it is not known if there were drugs or alcohol involved in the incident.

Hebert is asking anyone who may have witnessed the female driver strike either of the pedestrians to contact the Missoula Police Department at 552-6300.

It is believed that the 41 year-old female driver may have been experiencing mental issues and is being checked out by healthcare professionals before she may be booked into the Missoula County Jail.