Missoula Man Caught With Meth After a Routine Traffic Stop

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 24, 2025, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper was patrolling in Missoula County and was assisting with a traffic stop. During the assist, the trooper saw a green Subaru slam on its brakes and come to a stop in the middle of an intersection. The trooper activated his emergency lights and conducted a stop of the Subaru.  

The trooper contacted the driver who was identified as 57-year-old John Reinertson. Reinertson said his license was suspended and he did not have insurance. He also asked if he was going to jail because he was supposed to have an interlock device installed, but did not.  

Reinertson advised he was on probation. The trooper contacted the on-call Probation and Parole Officer and explained the situation. The Probation Officer noted Reinertson had issues with drug abuse and requested a search of the vehicle.  

The trooper removed Reinertson from the vehicle. Reinertson again asked if he was going to jail. The trooper explained that Probation and Parole were requesting a search of the vehicle. According to court documents, Reinertson immediately used profanity and said he was going to jail.  

Reinertson said there was marijuana in the vehicle. When asked if anything else was in the vehicle, Reinertson admitted that there was methamphetamine in the center console. During the search, the trooper located two baggies of a white crystalline substances and a glass pipe. The trooper located an additional baggie of a white crystalline substance and marijuana bags with paraphernalia inside a backpack behind the driver’s seat.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Reinertson was placed under arrest and was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $75,000. 

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