Man Arrested After Wild ATV Ride Through Missoula Streets

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 24, 2025, a Missoula Police Department officer was traveling on East Broadway Street when he observed an ATV four-wheeler with no roof or enclosure traveling opposite him. As the ATV passed the officer, he observed what appeared to be a young adult male. The male was not wearing a helmet, and the ATV was red in color. The male driver was later identified as 24-year-old Daniel Rios.  

The officer also observed an absence of any registration or license plate on the rear of the ATV. For this reason, the officer conducted a U-turn with the intention of initiating a traffic stop. After completing the U-turn, the officer could see Rios was watching him and immediately sped up. The officer initiated his emergency lights and activate his siren to clearly convey a traffic stop was being initiated. 

Instead of stopping, Rios drove his ATV into the neutral center lane. At one point, Rios swerved in front of another vehicle back into the lane of travel, cutting off a blue truck causing it to swerve and come to a sudden stop. A pedestrian was seen jumping out of the way. Rios drove onto curbs and passed several vehicles near I-90. Eventually, the officer lost sight of Rios. 

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The ATV Hits the Road Again 

On August 25, 2025, shortly after 10:00 a.m., Missoula 911 received multiple calls regarding a red ATV that was being driven in an erratic manner on Vine Street. The calls indicated that the driver was riding on a bike path, speeding, going through stop signs, and jumping the sidewalk. A sergeant requested that two officers be deployed to the area in an unmarked patrol vehicle in an effort to safely locate the ATV and stop Rios while avoiding a pursuit. 

An officer contacted two railroad workers who provided information indicating the ATV was located near a camper on 2nd Street. The officer ultimately located Rios and the ATV which was parked in a discrete manner between a fence and silver van. After locating Rios, the officer initiated his emergency lights and siren and placed Rios in custody. 

Another officer conducted the search incident to arrest. During the search, Rios denied fleeing from officers on August 24th. In Rios’ pocket was a broken glass pipe containing a burnt residue, and a clear plastic baggie containing methamphetamine. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Witness Shares What He Saw 

An officer called a witness who stated that he has seen a male riding a four-wheeler driving erratically the last four days. He stated the male would drive in the middle of the roundabout at Van Buren and I90. He would then drive at approximately 35 MPH to 40 MPH on the walking trail. 

Rios is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment, felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, felony attempted tampering with or fabricating physical evidence, fleeing from a peace officer, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $50,000. 

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