DUI Arrest After Driver Turns Off Headlights In Risky Chase

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 25, 2025, at approximately 1:23 a.m., a Montana Highway Patrol trooper was traveling southbound on U.S. Highway 93 near mile marker 86 in an area known as the “S-Curves”. The trooper observed a vehicle travelling what appeared to be well over the posted 65 mph speed limit. Using the front radar, the trooper confirmed the vehicle’s speed at 87 mph.  

The trooper activated his emergency lights and it took several miles to catch up to the vehicle. The vehicle continued to travel at a high rate of speed, confirmed by radar to be 105 mph in a 55 mph zone.  

The trooper continued northbound in pursuit of the vehicle when it suddenly turned off its headlights and taillights. The trooper noted that at these high rates of speed, the time of night, and the location of the pursuit, the driver’s decision to extinguish their lights made the situation even more dangerous.  

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The Vehicle Finally Stops 

Then the vehicle turned onto old U.S. Highway 93 and pulled into a parking lot, where a traffic stop was initiated. The trooper noticed the driver exhibited signs of impairment including red, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his person and the vehicle.  

The trooper also noted that both the driver and his front-seat passenger were not wearing seatbelts. Then the trooper noticed that a child was seated in the backseat. The trooper observed multiple open containers of alcohol under the child’s feet and behind the passenger seat. 

The driver, later identified as 29-year-old Dustin Hagen, admitted that his driver’s license was suspended. According to court documents, Hagen then made unprompted and repeated statements acknowledging poor judgment, including that he was racing a motorcycle. The passenger stated that she was concerned with Hagen's high speeds and his headlights being turned off.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Time for Sobriety Tests 

The trooper continued his investigation by asking Hagen to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests where he exhibited 15 out of 18 clues of impairment. Hagen then agreed to provide a preliminary breath test which returned at a 0.204 BrAC.  

The trooper placed Hagen under arrest and transported him to the Missoula County Detention Facility. Hagen is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment, DUI first offense, unlawful possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in motor vehicle on a highway, driving with a suspended license, and fleeing from an officer. His bond was set at $30,000. 

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