Wrong-Way Driver on I-90 Nearly Hit Three Vehicles in Montana

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On December 25th, 2024, at approximately 8:39 PM, a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office Deputy responded to a report of a wrong-way driver at mile marker 89 of Interstate 90. Three callers reported a black sedan traveling Westbound in the Eastbound lanes of the interstate.  

A MCSO Corporal observed the vehicle at mile marker 94. The deputy positioned his vehicle at the top of the Eastbound off-ramp to the Wye. The vehicle took the off-ramp and was driving very slowly, appearing to be struggling. The driver then stopped at the stop sign and turned Northbound onto US Highway 93 N. As they were doing so, they turned the wrong way again. 

The deputy initiated a traffic stop. The driver came to a stop in the middle of the road. After turning around, the driver pulled into a parking lot. The driver admitted to going the wrong way. The deputy identified the driver as Marilyn Lewis. Her license returned as revoked for a prior DUI arrest. Lewis denied drinking alcohol but admitted to being on prescription medication. She said she was worn out and tired. When asked, she said she was not okay to be driving and was looking for a place to rest. 

The deputy noticed that Lewis’ pupils were pinpoint and did not react to light. Through his training and experience, this was indicative of possible opioid use. The deputy asked her to show him what medication she took. She said she just took three of them but had trouble showing which ones. After giving him permission to look at her medication, the deputy noticed every medication had a warning for causing drowsiness and could affect her ability to operate a vehicle. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Then the deputy spoke with three of the callers who were almost hit by Lewis driving on the wrong way on Interstate 90. Two wished to be victims of Criminal Endangerment. Due to Lewis driving the wrong way on Interstate 90 and Highway 93 N, admitting to consuming several potentially impairing medications, pinpoint pupils, performance on SFSTs, lack of convergence in both eyes, eyelid tremors, and admittance to not being in a condition to safely drive, the deputy placed her under arrest for DUI.  

The deputy read Lewis the Montana DOJ Implied Consent Advisory and requested a blood test. Lewis consented and the deputy transported her to a hospital. After the blood draw, the deputy transported Lewis to the Missoula County Detention Facility. 

Lewis is currently being charged with two counts of felony criminal endangerment, DUI second offense, and driving with a suspended license. 

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