Missoula Driver’s Bad Choices Lead to Serious Drug Charges

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 15, 2026, a Missoula County Sheriff's Office Deputy was patrolling within Missoula County when he observed a white pickup truck that did not have a license plate lamp. The vehicle was in the area of Burton Street and Phillips Street. The deputy conducted a traffic stop, noting the vehicle failed to stop, continuing at a low rate of speed, passing multiple intersections, and through a handful of blocks with its hazards until stopping in the alley behind 1214 N Howell St.  

The driver attempted to get out of his vehicle before being stopped by the deputy. 47-year-old Benjamin Welch was asked what he was doing, to which he responded, "I know, I don't have a driver's license." Welch was asked to exit the vehicle and was placed in handcuffs. The deputy asked if anyone else was in the vehicle, and Welch responded no and further stated that he had just recently found out that his license was under suspension. 

According to court documents, Welch stated he did not want his vehicle towed, so that was the reason he failed to stop and continued to drive until he reached the address that he stated was his home. The deputy found Welch was driving without insurance and with a suspended license for the second time. Welch was taken to the detention center.  

Get our free mobile app

While at the detention center, an officer informed the deputy that another officer was concerned that Welch may have been attempting to discard something in the deputy's patrol car, based on the positioning of Welch's pants. The deputy noted his patrol car was clean before Welch was placed in the back, and upon further inspection, the deputy located a small baggie of a white crystalline substance on the floor. The deputy noted the substance weighed 2.3 grams and tested presumptive positive for methamphetamine.  

The deputy returned to the holding cell, where he mirandized Welch. Welch stated the deputy could talk to him, but upon inquiry, he did not respond to any questions and only shrugged his shoulders. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Welch is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, operating without liability insurance in effect (second offense), fleeing from or eluding a peace officer, driving with a suspended license, and failure to have a vehicle equipped with a white license plate lamp legible for 50 feet. 

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