Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 15, 2023, at approximately 1:15 p.m., a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was patrolling the area of Lolo and noticed a green vehicle in the parking lot of Town Pump. The deputy noticed that this vehicle did not have a front license plate affixed to the front bumper.  

At that time, the deputy left the parking lot and requested dispatch to provide the information from the rear license plate. Dispatch advised that recent history with the license plate showed that a male, Conan Ulmer, and a female were stopped in early December by the Missoula Police Department.

The deputy looked at Ulmer’s most recent booking photo and was able to identify him as the driver. The deputy also learned that Ulmer’s current driver’s license status is suspended or revoked. 

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The deputy parked out of sight of the vehicle and waited approximately five minutes before the vehicle left the Town Pump, pulling out onto Highway 93 South and driving North toward Missoula. The deputy caught up to the vehicle and advised dispatch that he intended to conduct a traffic stop.

Suspect Refuses to Pull Over Right Away

The deputy initiated his emergency lights and it was clear that the driver had no intention of stopping. The deputy then activated his emergency siren. Again, after driving a little further, the vehicle then began to pull to the right-hand shoulder of the roadway. 

Once the vehicle came to a stop, the Deputy contacted Conan Ulmer and his female passenger. The deputy advised Ulmer of the reason for the stop and requested his driver’s license, registration for the vehicle, and proof of insurance. Ulmer advised that he did not have his driver’s license and told the deputy that it was suspended.

Suspected Foul Play 

The female passenger handed Ulmer the registration from the glove box and continued to rummage through it searching for her proof of insurance. While she rummaged through the glove box, the deputy noticed a large roll of aluminum foil, several small containers, and baggies. Based on the deputy’s training and experience, all three items are consistent with the handling and consumption of drugs. 

Ulmer also advised that he was on probation but had not checked in with his probation officer for “a while”. The deputy contacted the on-call Probation Officer. Since Ulmer was on probation for multiple DUI offenses and had recently tested positive for methamphetamine use at his last several check-ins, the PO suggested that the deputies search the vehicle for alcohol or evidence of drug use. 

Time to Search the Vehicle

The deputy began the probation search on the driver's side of the vehicle where Ulmer was seated. Underneath the seat, he pulled a crumpled-up piece of tinfoil which had burn marks on one side and a black burned residue on the other. 

In the center console of the vehicle, the Deputy found a glass vile of Naloxone, which is used to treat overdoses caused by Opioids. Continuing the search, in the center console directly underneath the radio, the deputy located a small circular container containing a white crystalline substance.  

Based on the deputy’s training and experience, the deputy recognized the appearance of this substance to be consistent with methamphetamine. At that time, the Deputy photographed the items found and stopped the probation search to apply for a search warrant.  

According to court documents, Ulmer is currently being charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, driving with a suspended license, and failure to display a license plate. On January 17, 2023, Ulmer made his initial appearance in Missoula Justice Court and his bond was set at $15,000. 

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

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