Erratic Driving Leads to Drug Bust on I-90 in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On February 27, 2026, at approximately 9:56 p.m., a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Corporal was driving on I-90 near the 101-mile marker exit. The corporal observed a red Hyundai Elantra driving ahead of him and observed the Hyundai’s speed was inconsistent, ranging from 50 mph to 75 mph in the 65 mph zone. The vehicle was also failing to maintain its lane and crossing over the fog line. The corporal noted this driving behavior as consistent with someone possibly under the influence and decided to conduct a traffic stop.  

The corporal contacted the driver, 59-year-old Richard Miley, and noted two passengers in the backseat, 43-year-old Amanda Elkhart and 40-year-old Adrian Guerra. The corporal observed that Elkhart was nervous, making erratic and fidgeting movements, and had uncontrolled facial movements consistent with drug use. Miley said the group was going back to Helena, the opposite direction their vehicle was heading.  

Miley was asked to step out of the vehicle and did so. Miley further advised that someone rented the vehicle, which Miley picked up in Helena that evening. The corporal learned that Miley was Guerra’s uncle. They said Guerra’s wife rented the vehicle, but Guerra and Elkhart are in a relationship and were cuddling up in the backseat. 

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Discovery of Drugs and Evidence

The corporal found it odd that Guerra’s wife would rent a car for Miley to pick up her husband and his girlfriend, Elkhart, late at night. The corporal also noted that rental vehicles are often used to transport illegal drugs due to their inconspicuous nature. 

The corporal confirmed that none of the three occupants had a valid driver’s license. All three parties granted consent to search the vehicle. The corporal started the search, and Miley attempted to throw a container underneath the corporal’s patrol vehicle. A deputy collected the container, which had a substance consistent with black tar heroin. 

During the search, the corporal also located a small bag of methamphetamine in Elkhart’s purse. Guerra opened the trunk for the corporal, showing multiple backpacks and bags inside. The corporal stopped the consent search and applied for a search warrant for the vehicle, which was granted. Miley, Elkhart, and Guerra were all arrested.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

All three were read their Miranda warnings and agreed to speak to the corporal. Miley admitted the substance was heroin. Guerra claimed the methamphetamine found in Elkhart’s purse did not belong to Guerra, but Guerra admitted there was methamphetamine in his backpack in the trunk. Guerra also advised that he possessed a firearm in the vehicle.  

Elkhart alleged that Guerra set her up by placing methamphetamine in her purse. The corporal found this claim unlikely because he located multiple bags in the purse with a straw commonly used to ingest drugs. 

Ex-Wife’s Insights: A Potential Theft Connection

Later on, the corporal was contacted by Guerra’s ex-wife, who said the Hyundai was rented in her name, but Guerra was not allowed to use the vehicle. She advised that Guerra likely and unlawfully entered her home to obtain the keys to the vehicle, but was unsure exactly how Guerra retrieved the vehicle. She provided the corporal with proof of the rental agreement showing she rented the vehicle. At this point, she was unsure about moving forward with charges against Guerra.  

Then the corporal asked about the firearm he found in the vehicle. She said the firearm might belong to her. She said Guerra may have stolen the firearm from her residence, but she would contact the corporal if she finds her firearm was missing.  

Guerra, Elkhart, and Miley are all currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Miley is also being charged with felony tampering with or fabricating physical evidence. His bond was set at $25,000. 

Investigation is still ongoing regarding the possibility of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen firearm by Guerra. 

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