Pursuit Suspect Arrested Near Hamilton

After eluding authorities for 15 days, Justin Odean Johnson, age 40, was arrested Friday, December 20, by Ravalli County sheriff’s officers at a house south of Hamilton. A citizen’s tip led detectives to the home, where he was arrested without incident, according to Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton. Sheriff Holton said Johnson was in possession of a stolen vehicle when officers attempted to arrest him December 5th. He left the scene on foot and ran into the Sapphire Mountain foothills east of Corvallis, in the Soft Rock and Willow Creek areas. The initial search was begun by sheriff’s deputies, Montana Highway Patrol and Montana Fish and Game wardens.

During the 15 days since then, the public provided law officers tips as to where Johnson might be located. During the investigation, officers found numerous items, apparently stolen from construction sites, outbuildings and storage units. Johnson is now in the Ravalli County jail, facing charges of felony criminal endangerment, felony criminal mischief, reckless driving, fleeing a peace officer, obstructing a peace officer, resisting arrest and three contempt of court warrants.