Lolo, Montana – A routine stop at a gas station in western Montana led to multiple criminal charges after a man was found asleep inside a vehicle with alcohol in plain view, later discovered to have been taken without permission from a family member.
Incident Overview
On January 31, 2026, a deputy with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report at the Town Pump gas station in Lolo involving a vehicle that had been parked at the fuel pumps for several hours. What initially appeared to be a welfare check quickly escalated into a DUI investigation and a felony theft case.
The vehicle, a 1996 white Chevrolet Tahoe bearing Idaho license plates, had reportedly remained stationary for more than four hours, raising concern among gas station staff.
Timeline of Events
According to the deputy’s report, an employee alerted law enforcement while the deputy was inside the store purchasing a beverage. Upon approaching the SUV, the deputy observed a male asleep in the rear seat, with the keys resting on the center console.
Inside the vehicle, the deputy also noticed a fifth of Black Velvet whiskey sitting in a cupholder, approximately one-third full. The man was awakened to make contact.
The individual was identified as Tyler Powers, 34 years old.
Details From Law Enforcement
Before opening the vehicle door, Powers placed his coat over the bottle of whiskey, which the deputy interpreted as an attempt to conceal the alcohol. When questioned, Powers told the deputy he was “just hanging out” and claimed he had only been parked there for about one hour. This conflicted with the gas station employee’s estimate of approximately 4.5 hours.
Powers admitted he had driven to the location and had been drinking. The deputy reported a strong odor of alcohol, along with bloodshot and watery eyes, prompting a request for standardized field sobriety testing.
Out of 18 possible indicators, the deputy observed 9 signs of impairment.
Alcohol Testing and Arrest
After being read the PAST Advisory, Powers agreed to provide a breath sample, which registered at 0.16 BAC, double Montana’s legal limit of 0.08. Officers also confirmed that Powers was driving with a suspended license, though he had no prior DUI convictions.
The deputy then read the Implied Consent Advisory, and Powers again consented to testing. While being transported to jail, Powers made a statement regarding the alcohol in the vehicle:
“That was my breakfast.”
Once at the detention facility, a subsequent Intoxilyzer test registered 0.12 BAC.
Vehicle Reported Stolen by Father
Later the same day, dispatch informed the deputy that Powers’ father, the registered owner of the Chevrolet Tahoe, had contacted authorities. He reported waking up to find his vehicle missing.
According to the report, Mr. Powers stated his son had been at his residence the night before, but was never given permission to use the vehicle. He explained that his son had become heavily intoxicated and was expected to sleep in a camper on the property.
At some point during the night, Powers allegedly gained access to the vehicle keys and drove away without authorization.
Charges Filed
As a result of the investigation, Tyler Powers is facing multiple charges, including:
- Felony theft of a light vehicle
- DUI – first offense
- Driving with a suspended license
Each charge carries potential legal consequences, ranging from fines and license restrictions to possible jail time.
Public Safety Context
Law enforcement officials continue to emphasize the dangers of impaired driving, particularly in rural communities where response times can be longer and road conditions more hazardous. Montana consistently reports alcohol-related crashes as a significant contributor to serious injuries and fatalities.
Leaving a vehicle running or occupied at fuel stations also presents safety risks for both drivers and the public, especially when impairment is involved.
Conclusion
What began as a routine check on a parked vehicle turned into a complex case involving impaired driving, unauthorized vehicle use, and family involvement. Authorities say the incident highlights the importance of reporting suspicious activity and the serious consequences tied to alcohol-impaired decisions.
Call to Action
If you have witnessed similar incidents or have thoughts on impaired driving and vehicle safety in your community, share your experiences in the comments below.
