Simple Accident Exposes Deeper Crime in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 25, 2025, a Missoula Police Department officer responded to an accident investigation in the city. 30-year-old Jesse Wheeler was determined to be the driver of a vehicle that rear-ended another vehicle at Reserve and Sunset. Officers initially believed Wheeler to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but later determined that he was not under the influence following his participation in standard field sobriety exercises.  

During his detention, officers contacted Wheeler’s probation officer. The probation officer requested a search of Wheeler and his vehicle. Officers found a syringe that is commonly used to ingest dangerous drugs on the rear floorboard of his vehicle. The investigating officer observed what appeared to be recent, but scabbing over, track marks on the inner elbows of Wheeler’s arms. 

According to court documents, Wheeler said he got them getting scratched by a bush while parking. The officer said the marks did not look like scratches, but the small pin prick marks you would expect to see associated with syringe use.  

Then officers located a locked box inside a backpack. Wheeler stated that the box belonged to “James.” Upon further inquiry, Wheeler’s probation officer asked officers to search the lock box. Officers used a bolt cutter to remove the lock. Wheeler asked if he could be held accountable for the contents of the box. When the officer told him that per his probation officer, he could be held accountable, Wheeler made a statement in which he articulated that he would be "f****d".  

The officer used a pair of bolt cutters to cut the lock. When he searched the contents of the box, the officer located another case containing syringes, small cotton balls, saline solution, a metallic cap, and a lighter. The officer opined that the above items are commonly used in ingesting dangerous drugs. The officer also located a metal box containing two plastic bags containing three white crystals that looked to be methamphetamine. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Wheeler was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and two counts of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. 

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