Missoula Wrong-Way Driver Nearly Caused Several Head-On Crashes

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 27, 2024, Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a report of a moving violation along Highway 200 E. Several 911 callers reported a wrong-way driver. Additionally, deputies noted that the weather, which was a high volume of rain, increased the danger along the roadway.

A deputy located the vehicle near Nelson Lane and Highway 200 E. The deputy observed it swerving across the yellow center line, just before conducting a traffic stop. Within the back cargo area, the deputy observed an air mattress that appeared to be preventing the trunk from closing. The deputy contacted the driver and immediately observed that the driver’s eyes were watery, his body motions were slow, and his speech was slow and slurred.

The deputy asked the driver for his ID, which the driver asked to exit to retrieve. At this time, the deputy noticed the driver was only wearing one shoe. The male stated his wallet must be in the back, near the bed. While looking for his wallet, the deputy observed the driver use the vehicle to support his balance.

The deputy then informed the male that he could simply provide his name. The male self-identified as 59-year-old Ricky Cox. The deputy also noted Cox was slurring his words, staggering, stumbling, as well as noting a strong odor of alcohol coming from Cox’s person. According to court documents, Cox admitted that he had consumed alcohol, vodka, which was from a large plastic bottle, which was consistent with the bottle the deputy observed in Cox’s vehicle.

Cox admitted he was too impaired to be driving a motor vehicle. The deputy read Cox the PAST Advisory and he consented to a breath test, which indicated a 0.258 BAC. Cox was then placed under arrest and transported to the jail. When asked if he remembered any near collisions, Cox denied remembering anything.

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports

Another deputy spoke with the 911 callers. One caller said she honked at least four times to warn other vehicles that Cox almost hit. Another caller said he swerved to avoid an elk that was in the roadway and when he looked back toward his lane, he observed headlights coming towards him in his lane of travel. He said he had to swerve over and onto the shoulder to avoid a head-on collision. He said, “If I didn’t look up a second later, he probably would’ve hit us.”

Deputies found Cox's driver’s license was suspended or revoked. Cox is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment, aggravated DUI first offense, and driving with a suspended license.

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