Driver Caught With Open Alcohol During Traffic Stop in Lolo

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 11, 2026, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper was patrolling along US Highway 93 in Missoula County when he observed a silver Chevy Colorado fail to stop at a stop sign along the intersection of Lewis and Clark Drive and US Highway 93. The trooper activated his radar and determined the vehicle was traveling 41 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. Then the trooper activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop.

The driver continued on for a short distance before making a left turn onto Ridgeway Drive, rather than yielding to the right side of the roadway. The pickup eventually stopped in the parking lot of the north Town Pump in Lolo, MT. The trooper approached the vehicle and found the driver to be 25-year-old Tobias Starkel.

The trooper informed Starkel of the reasons for the stop and, while doing so, noticed Starkel displayed a dazed expression, had extremely bloodshot and watery eyes, emitted a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage, and spoke with occasional slurred speech. Starkel stated he was coming from the Hayloft.

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The trooper instructed Starkel to exit the vehicle, and while doing so, the trooper observed an open White Claw alcoholic beverage container in the driver’s door pocket. The container was approximately half full and still cold to the touch. According to court documents, the driver then admitted to consuming at least seven alcoholic drinks.

As the driver walked to the trooper’s patrol car, Starkel was extremely unsteady on his feet. The trooper then instructed Starkel on the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, where he observed 13/18 indicators of impairment.

Then Starkel provided a PBT, which resulted in a BrAC of 0.227. After which Starkel provided a sample on the Intoxylizer, which resulted in a 0.201 BrAC. Starkel has three other convictions for DUI.

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Starkel was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony DUI, which is a fourth or subsequent offense. His bond was set at $10,000.

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