McMorris Faces Felony DUI Charge
Jeff McMorris has been charged with five counts including the felony charge of driving under the influence, fourth offense.
The misdemeanor charges include turning when unsafe to do so, no required motor vehicle insurance, expired registration and unlawful possession of an open alcoholic beverage container in a motor vehicle on a highway.
According to court documents, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper observed a black SUV attempting a right-hand turn at the intersection of U.S. Highway 2 and Second Avenue North. Rather than turning, the vehicle pulled out onto the highway and came to a stop facing south in the westbound lane, fully blocking the outside lane. As the trooper approached, the vehicle quickly accelerated and initiated a right turn into the inside lane. The vehicle then drifted back into the outside lane and began traveling west.
When the vehicle made a right-hand turn onto Cascade Street, the trooper activated the overhead emergency lights and initiated the traffic stop.
When McMorris was asked if he had anything to drink, he replied, “not much.” The trooper observed what appeared to be an open alcoholic beverage in the center console cup holder.
McMorris was asked to perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, he agreed and exited the vehicle. At that time, the trooper observed an open Corona bottle in the center cup holder and what appeared to be an open liter of Crown Russe Vodka on the driver’s side floorboards.
After the sobriety tests were done, McMorris said he did not want to provide a breath sample. He made a comment that he was already going to jail. He was then secured in handcuffs and was told he was under arrest.
Upon arrival to the detention center, McMorris provided a breath sample which resulted in a “deficient sample.”
Later, a blood draw was conducted at the hospital. The vials were sent to the state crime lab in Missoula.
