According to the Missoula Police Department, on May 22, 2022, an officer was on patrol when she was dispatched to the area of North Reserve Street for a report of a suspected driver under the influence. The caller reported to dispatch that she saw the suspect at dinner drinking at least three alcoholic beverages with her two minor children present.

The complainant further stated that the suspect appeared so intoxicated that her two children had to balance her as she stumbled to the bathroom. The complainant then stated that she saw the two children and the suspect get into a vehicle. After entering the vehicle, the suspect was observed driving out of the parking lot and onto Reserve Street. Police Public Information Officer Lydia Arnold picks up the story.

“Dispatch advised officers regarding a female who had been drinking and leaving a restaurant with two children,” Arnold said. “The caller provided dispatch the vehicle description and observations they had made about the suspect female, Britnie Mamuzich, who caused them concern when she decided to get into a vehicle and drive with young children. Officers located the vehicle and observed driving patterns consistent with impairment.”

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The officer observed the vehicle cross over the shoulder line multiple times and then weaved within her lane of travel. Eventually, the suspect vehicle turned into the Walmart. As the suspect vehicle began to maneuver into the parking lot, it negotiated a turn across traffic while another vehicle was proceeding from the opposite direction. The officer observed that the vehicle in the oncoming lane had to quickly hit their breaks to slow down to avoid striking the suspect vehicle.

According to Arnold, officer conducted a traffic stop. During the contact, officers observed indicators of impairment and behaviors consistent with someone trying to hide their impairment.

“Officers conducted the standardized field sobriety tests,” Arnold said. “Based on the original 911 call, driving observations, observations made during contact, and the standardized field sobriety tests, officers placed Mamuzich under arrest. Officers were able to contact a responsible party for the children and collected a brief statement from the children and the responsible party who indicated drinking and driving was a problem lately. This case is still under investigation with the Missoula Police Department.”

According to court documents, the officer also noted that the two children in the backseat said they “needed to speak with a Police Officer.” One of the minor children told the officer that, “my mom is drunk”, and that “my mom lies”. The child further stated that her mother had been “drunk driving a lot” and speeding around.

Mamuzich was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center where she is currently being charged with two counts of felony child criminal endangerment.

Mamuzich has one previous DUI conviction, another DUI currently pending, and two prior convictions for child criminal endangerment.

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

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