Missoula Man Had Four Teen Passengers During DUI Arrest

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - At approximately 11:50 p.m. on May 23, 2025, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper approached the roundabout between Lower Miller Creek Road and Upper Miller Creek Road. He observed a Nissan Sedan approaching the roundabout at a higher rate of speed than the posted 35 MPH speed limit. The trooper visually estimated the sedan’s speed to be between 45-50 MPH. 

As the vehicle entered the roundabout, the driver hit the right curb with his right tires. The driver then proceeded through the roundabout without utilizing his turn signal while turning onto Lower Miller Creek Road. The driver failed to maintain his lane of travel and drove halfway into the bike lane and roadway.  

The trooper activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the vehicle. The trooper activated his emergency siren three times as the driver continued to drive for an additional 50 seconds all over the roadway before finally pulling to the shoulder.  

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As he approached the vehicle, the trooper observed several children in the rear looking out the window. The driver appeared lethargic and had a dazed stare on his face. The trooper could smell the strong odor of ethyl alcohol beverages and marijuana emanating from the cab of the vehicle. The driver was identified as 40-year-old Ryan Charlo. When Charlo stepped out of the vehicle, he was unsteady on his feet and had red watery eyes. 

The trooper asked Charlo if he was on probation and how much he had had to drink that night. Charlo responded that he was on probation and had “like a couple of shots” but could not tell the trooper what kind of alcoholic beverages he had consumed. When asked about the children in the car, Charlo identified four teenagers. 

A check of Charlo’s driver's license listed his driver’s status as “revoked.” The on-call probation officer requested a PBT sample from Charlo and requested a search of the vehicle. Another trooper searched the vehicle and observed a few empty cans of “buzz ball” drinks under the driver’s seat. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

The trooper requested that Charlo perform SFSTs, but Charlo refused. The trooper read Charlo the PAST advisory and requested a breath sample, but Charlo refused. The trooper then explained that probation had requested a PBT. Charlo stated he did nothing wrong, began to argue, and refused to provide a sample. Then the trooper placed Charlo under arrest. 

The trooper read the Montana Implied Consent Advisory and requested a blood sample, but Charlo refused. A warrant was obtained for a blood draw, which was performed at St. Patrick’s Hospital.  

Then Charlo was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony DUI, endangering the welfare of children, operating without liability insurance, and driving with a suspended license. His bond was set at $15,000. 

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