Reckless High-Speed Chase in Missoula: Stolen Car Tops 140 MPH

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 18th, 2024, a Missoula Police Department officer was patrolling near Scott St. and Cooley St. when he observed a stolen vehicle. The vehicle was listed as a 2015 Camry, which officers later valued at over $10,000. An officer initiated a traffic stop and instructed the driver to shut off the vehicle.  

The driver, later identified as 49-year-old Donald Meyers, began to flee on Scott Street at a high rate of speed. The vehicle turned onto Cooper Street and officers began their pursuit. While turning onto Cooper, Meyers failed to signal his turn and was estimated to be driving over 50 MPH in a 25 MPH zone. 

Meyers continued traveling at high rates of speed and proceeding through stop sign intersections at Burton, Burns, Byron, Russell, and Broadway. At the intersection of Burns, Meyers narrowly avoided colliding in the intersection with another vehicle. Meyers later ran a red stoplight at Mullan and Broadway. As the pursuit continued, Meyers allegedly reached speeds over 130 MPH while passing Reserve St.  

Meyers Continues to Put Others at Risk 

A short distance later, Meyers drove over 140 MPH and passed a truck pulling a trailer. Meyers also passed a semi-tanker at the intersection with Airway Blvd., while traveling at approximately 135 MPH. From there, Meyers proceeded to enter into the center divider area of the road in order to pass another vehicle, narrowly avoiding a collision with that vehicle, all while traveling over 130 MPH. 

At the intersection of Hwy. 10 W, Meyers decelerated abruptly and began to swerve. The officer noticed the passenger door began to open and a female appeared to be trying to get out of the vehicle. Meyers came to a stop and the female got out, after which Myers began to flee again.  

Stop Sticks are Deployed 

According to court documents, Meyers reached speeds over 100 MPH as he passed through the intersection of Carriage Rd. and continued up Evaro Hill. A Missoula County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant had responded to the area and deployed stop stick devices at the top of Evaro Hill, near mile marker 6. 

Meyers vehicle successfully hit the stop sticks, however, he continued to flee while the officer smelled burning rubber coming through his vents. Eventually, Meyers came to a complete stop near the 18300 block of US Hwy. 93.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Meyers was called out of the vehicle and from that point forward he complied with officers requesting commands until he was taken into custody. When asked why he fled, Meyers stated he didn't want to go back to prison or jail. He also stated he got the stolen car from a friend. 

Meyers is currently being charged with felony criminal endangerment, felony theft, and fleeing from an officer. His bond was set at $50,000. 

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