What started as a simple traffic stop for missing tail lights late Monday night, April 24, ended up devolving into a high speed chase through the south end of Missoula. Missoula Police Public Information Officer Travis Welsh explains.

"An officer was observing traffic in the 2200 block of Brooks street when he observed a vehicle traveling on Brooks without any tail lights," Welsh said. "The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver refused to pull over and sped away... essentially traveling around the South East portion of the city with speeds approaching 60 miles per hour."

The car eventually stopped and the driver ran away on foot, but didn’t get very far. Welsh says the suspect’s vehicle was reported stolen.

"He is identified as 25-year-old Jordan Pederson, after the pursuit ended and the driver was in custody, officers learned that the vehicle he was driving had recently been reported stolen out of Yellowstone County and it also appears that that vehicle may be included in investigations currently going on in that county."

Police say Pederson was under the influence of alcohol during the chase. He is currently charged with Aggravated DUI, Theft, Reckless Driving and Eluding a Peace Officer. More charges out of Yellowstone County may apply.

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