Missoula Police Arrest 80-Year-Old for His 9th DUI

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 31, 2025, at approximately 9:36 p.m., a deputy with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office was driving on Mullan Road when he observed a vehicle parked on the shoulder near Snowdrift Lane. The lights on the vehicle were flashing repeatedly. As the deputy drove alongside the vehicle, he noticed a male, later identified as 80-year-old Ronald Heinemann, standing next to a white 2012 Nissan Altima.

Heinemann appeared to be struggling with something. The deputy asked Heinemann if he was okay, and Heinemann responded that he was fine and lived nearby. The deputy noted that Heinemann’s speech was extremely slurred and slow, and that he seemed unsteady on his feet. The deputy moved his patrol vehicle forward so he could make a U-turn and position himself behind Heinemann’s vehicle. As the deputy did this, Heinemann entered the vehicle and began driving northbound on Snowdrift Lane.

The deputy noticed that Heinemann was driving on the left side of the road, heading into oncoming traffic. The deputy then initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle. The deputy approached Heinemann, introduced himself, and explained the reason for the stop. While talking to Heinemann, the deputy noticed an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. Heinemann’s eyes were extremely bloodshot and watery, and his speech was slow and slurred.

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Heinemann Admitted to Drinking Alcohol

According to court documents, Heinemann mentioned that it had been a few hours since he last had a drink. Heinemann was fumbling around and struggling to locate his wallet. Heinemann seemed to get lost in conversation and often forgot what the deputy was asking him to do.

The deputy asked Heinemann to step out of the vehicle. As Heinemann did, he appeared very unsteady on his feet. The deputy also observed that Heinemann had urinated in his pants. The deputy informed Heinemann that he would be conducting Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) to ensure Heinemann was fit to drive. Heinemann scored six out of six clues on the HGN test and was unfit to conduct the other two tests.

The deputy advised Heinemann that he was under arrest for DUI. The deputy transported Heinemann to the Missoula County Detention Facility, where Heinemann provided two breath samples, resulting in a blood alcohol concentration of .102 on the Intoxilyzer. After checking the driver’s history, the deputy discovered Heinemann had 8 prior lifetime DUI convictions and a revoked license due to DUI.

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports

Heinemann is currently being charged with felony DUI and driving with a suspended license. His bond was set at $150,000.

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