Ronan woman accused of driving wrong way on MT 200
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MISSOULA – A 22-year-old Ronan woman is accused of driving the wrong way for nearly 15 miles on Montana Highway 200 early Saturday morning, forcing six vehicles, two of which were driven by sheriff’s deputies, off the road.
Jennifer Rae Messerly is currently being held at the Missoula County Detention Center on $100,000 bond. She faces 6 felony counts of criminal endangerment and a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.
Missoula County Deputy Sheriff Kenny White said in the affidavit that Messerly had three passengers in a dark colored Jeep, a male in the passenger seat, and her two children, ages 6 and 16 months in the backseat.
According to the affidavit, around 4:30 a.m. Saturday, dispatch advised of a vehicle traveling in the wrong lane of traffic, west bound in the east bound lane on Highway 200 near Paws Up Ranch. Amber Gopher, who made the 9-1-1 call, reported that the vehicle almost hit three vehicles, including hers, while traveling in the wrong lane.
It is also reported that Messerly almost collided head on with Randall Armstrong, a snow plow driver for the Department of Transportation. He stated he thought that the driver might be attempting to commit suicide.
After Deputy White stopped Messerly, she explained that her children had distracted her from driving because they were being fussy, that she was paying attention to the children instead of the road. She admitted she had taken OxyCodone earlier in the evening.
According to the affidavit, Messerly failed all six impairment tests, and was taken to St. Patrick Hospital where she refused a blood test, and was then transported to jail for further processing.
Later on, Deputy White asked Messerly again if she had taken any medication, and she stated that she had taken Percocet for back pain, stating that she is immune to the medication.
According to prosecuting attorney Patricia Bower, Messerly will have her preliminary hearing on March 21st, which is when the case will be moved to district court.
In Montana, a person convicted of criminal endangerment can be fined up to $50,000 and/or must serve a prison term not-to-exceed 10 years.
