Missoula, Montana – A late-evening disturbance near a busy gas station in the Wye area led to the arrest of a Missoula man on multiple felony charges after authorities say he chased students, showed signs of impairment, and was found with suspected drug paraphernalia. The incident prompted a coordinated response from state and local law enforcement and raised concerns about public safety in a high-traffic area.
Incident Overview
At approximately 8:54 p.m. on February 2, 2026, Missoula dispatch received a report of a man allegedly “chasing” students and asking them for money near the Wye area Town Pump. The behavior was described as disruptive and concerning, particularly given the presence of students and nearby traffic.
A Montana Highway Patrol trooper and Missoula Police Department officers were dispatched to investigate. While en route, the trooper was provided with a physical description, information that the suspect had entered a white Dodge Durango, and a license plate number, allowing officers to quickly narrow their search.
Timeline of Events
As the trooper approached the area, he observed a school bus positioned facing the Town Pump and a white Dodge Durango stopped at a McDonald’s drive-through with its lights turned off. The vehicle then exited the drive-through lane and passed the school bus again.
Based on the matching description and plate information, the trooper initiated a traffic stop. Upon contact, the driver was identified as 57-year-old Schawnn Leggett of Missoula.
Details From Law Enforcement
According to the trooper’s report, Leggett exhibited several indicators of impairment. His eyes were bloodshot and watery, and his speech was slow and incoherent during the initial interaction.
The trooper, who is trained in administering and scoring standardized field sobriety tests, conducted a full evaluation. The results showed 6 of 6 possible clues on the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, 8 of 8 clues on the walk-and-turn test, and 4 of 4 clues on the one-legged stand test.
Leggett consented to a preliminary breath test, which indicated a breath alcohol concentration of .111, above Montana’s legal limit.
The initial dispatch described the suspect as a male who was “chasing students and asking them for money,” prompting an immediate response due to safety concerns in the area.
Evidence Found During the Stop
During the vehicle inspection, the trooper observed a sunglasses container on the center console. Inside were several small baggies, cut-up straws, and residue of a white crystalline substance, items commonly associated with drug use or possession.
The trooper’s report also noted that Leggett has prior impaired driving convictions dating back to 1998, 2001, and 2007, a factor that contributed to the severity of the current charges.
Charges and Booking Information
Following the investigation, Schawnn Leggett was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently facing felony DUI and felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs charges.
Authorities set Leggett’s bond at $15,000. Court proceedings are expected to determine how the prior convictions and current allegations will factor into potential sentencing.
Public Safety and Awareness
Incidents involving impaired driving and erratic behavior near schools or student gathering areas pose serious risks. Law enforcement officials routinely stress the importance of reporting suspicious or unsafe activity promptly, as early calls can help prevent harm.
Drivers are also reminded that combining alcohol and drugs significantly increases impairment and the likelihood of dangerous encounters. Even short trips through familiar areas can become hazardous when judgment and reaction time are compromised.
Conclusion
The February 2 incident near the Wye Town Pump highlights how quickly a disturbance can escalate into serious criminal charges when impairment and public safety risks are involved. Thanks to detailed information from dispatch and a rapid law enforcement response, officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle and take action before the situation worsened.
If you witnessed the incident or have concerns about safety in your area, report suspicious behavior to local authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
