Missoula Police Arrest Driver After Hit-and-Run
A 62-year-old man faces felony charges following a collision at Mullan Road and North Reserve Street.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Crime — General
Missoula police have arrested 62-year-old Steven Begay for a fifth DUI offense following a hit-and-run collision. Authorities tracked the suspect after finding a license plate detached from his van at the scene.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to address repeat impaired driving offenses. Officials are utilizing evidence-based procedures, such as court-ordered blood samples, to strengthen cases against suspects.
Steven Begay is being held at the Missoula County Detention Facility on a $50,000 bond. He is charged with felony DUI and failure to give notice of an accident while also facing a separate $10,000 warrant.
The players
Steven Begay
He is a 62-year-old suspect facing felony DUI charges and is currently held at the Missoula County Detention Facility.
Missoula Police
This is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating traffic incidents and maintaining public safety in the city.
The details
After identifying the suspect through a license plate left at the scene, officers detected a strong odor of alcohol and found an open beer can in the van. Because Begay refused field sobriety and breath tests, police secured a search warrant to obtain a blood sample at St. Patrick Hospital.
Timeline
The hit-and-run collision occurred at approximately 7:45 p.m. on October 7, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows the state's established legal framework for elevating DUI charges to felonies after multiple prior offenses. Such prosecutions reflect ongoing efforts to address habitual impaired driving through graduated penal codes.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Mullan Road and North Reserve Street, a busy thoroughfare that serves local businesses and commuters. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant in high-traffic areas and report suspicious driving behavior to local authorities.
The takeaway
Repeat offenders who operate vehicles while under the influence face increasingly severe legal consequences including high bond amounts. Drivers are reminded that refusing sobriety tests does not prevent authorities from obtaining court-ordered evidence.
Further reading
For more information on local safety efforts, visit the Missoula Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 96.3 The Blaze.
