Missoula Hit-and-Run Suspect Caught After Returning to the Scene, Nearly Hitting Officer
Missoula Police have a man in custody after a hit and run incident that occurred Sunday evening, March 27. According to Missoula Police Public Information officer Travis Welsh, the original crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. at the intersection of Russell and Broadway, however only one vehicle stayed behind. While officers were interviewing the vehicle’s driver, they noticed a car speeding their way.
"Observed a vehicle accelerating toward them at what appeared to be a high rate of speed," said Welsh. "The occupants of the vehicle that was hit and stayed behind identified that particular vehicle as the one that had hit them and left the scene. The officer stepped out and waved both arms in an attempt to flag down the driver and get him to stop. The vehicle accelerated and rather than stopping, continued nearly striking the officer."
The officer had to jump out of the way, to avoid being hit. Officers pursued the driver and later found him parked… eating what appeared to be a burrito.
"They attempted to stop and continued north bound over Scott Street eventually coming to a stop on the north side of the overpass," Welsh said. "Male was given instructions, he was slow to respond, he didn't respond and he was actually forcibly removed from the vehicle and taken into custody without further incident. He was arrested for charges that include include aggravated DUI and criminal endangerment."
In the end, 30-year old Jason Simonetti, was arrested on six different charges. He is currently in the Missoula County jail with a bail set at $54,140.