Missoula Police Arrest Man for His 11th DUI
At around 10:10 p.m. Tuesday night, a Missoula Police Officer noticed a vehicle failing to maintain its lane near the intersection of Hawthorne and West Pine Street. Court documents indicate the vehicle turned too wide and swung into the on-coming lane, nearly causing an accident.
The officer activated his overhead lights and initiated a traffic stop. He noted that the vehicle did not immediately pull over. Police Public Information Officer Travis Welsh explains.
“The officer initiated a traffic stop and identified the driver as 69-year-old James Farrell,” Welsh said. “At the conclusion of the investigation, Mr. Farrell was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated. Due to previous convictions, the officer is holding Mr. Farrell on a felony count.”
According to the officer, Farrell’s movements were slow and deliberate, his eyes were bloodshot and glossy, and his speech was heavily slurred. Farrell’s vehicle also had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage.
The officer determined Farrell has seven prior DUI convictions out of Utah and three out of Montana. The officer also determined that Farrell is currently on parole for prior DUI convictions. Farrell was charged with felony DUI.