Driver Found Asleep in a Running Car at a Missoula Gas Pump

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On April 8, 2025, at approximately 6:50 AM, a Missoula Police Department Officer was dispatched to a gas station in the 1900 block of South Avenue for a report of a driver who was passed out behind the wheel of a running vehicle that was parked at a gas pump.  

The officer arrived and noticed the driver’s side window was fully rolled down. He approached the window and observed an adult female with her head hanging down on her chest. She appeared to be breathing but was not conscious.  

The officer reached inside the open window and started shaking the driver. The female woke up and appeared to be very groggy. The officer explained to her that she was called in for being asleep behind the wheel by a concerned citizen and explained that he needed to confirm if she was okay or needed medical attention. The driver refused to be seen by medical and was subsequently ordered to exit the vehicle.  

The driver was identified as 35-year-old Lacey Lakey. Lakey explained that she was very tired and had fallen asleep at the wheel. The officer asked her if she had been drinking or had taken any drugs recently, to which Lakey denied. However, due to Lakey’s continued grogginess and having passed out behind the wheel, consent to conduct Standardized Field Sobriety Tests was gained.  

During the investigation, dispatch advised the officer that Lakey had a warrant for her arrest. The officer continued his investigation and ultimately concluded the tests before placing her under arrest for the unrelated warrant.  

Officers conducted a search incident to arrest and discovered a tin container with burn marks on the outside. The officer noted that the burn marks had a distinct line of dark colored residue and knew from training and experience that drug users commonly place a pill on a metal surface and apply a heat source to the bottom of it. This burns the pill, and they then inhale the fumes. 

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Then the officer transported Lakey and her belongings to the Missoula County Detention Center, where she was booked for her warrant. During the booking process, the Detention Staff conducted a search of her belongings in accordance with their policy. They opened the metal container and found two rectangular shaped pills with the word “Xanax” stamped on one side. Lakey denied having a prescription for Xanax. The suspected drugs were seized and are set to be transported to the Montana State Crime Lab for chemical analysis. 

Lakey is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.  

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.