Man Fights With Missoula Deputy During DUI Investigation

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On September 18, 2026, at around 2:41 a.m., a Missoula County Sheriff’s Office deputy was patrolling near Mullan Road when he observed a Nissan Titan “cockeyed on the shoulder” near Karl Court with its hazards on. The deputy pulled over to check the welfare of the motorists. The deputy contacted the driver of the Titan, 43-year-old Jacob Downing. Downing was accompanied by a female passenger.  

The deputy asked Downing if everything was alright. Downing stated that everything was fine and that they were just figuring some stuff out. While speaking with Downing, the deputy perceived an overwhelming odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. He also noticed that Downing’s eyes were bloodshot, and he exhibited severely slowed and slurred speech. 

The deputy asked Downing to step out of the vehicle, but he refused. The deputy informed Downing that their contact was no longer consensual and that he was under investigation for DUI. Downing again refused to exit the vehicle. Then the deputy called for backup.  

A Struggle Ensues: Physical Altercation with Law Enforcement

The deputy reported that Downing opened the door to his truck and jumped out of the vehicle. Downing stated that he would not follow directions and attempted to get back into his vehicle. The deputy reported that Downing is 6’5” in height and weighs an estimated 230 pounds. The deputy grabbed Downing’s arm and attempted to take him into custody. Downing pulled away, stepped into the street, and squared up with the deputy. 

The deputy tried to grab Downing again, but Downing shoved the deputy in the chest using two hands. The deputy utilized a double-hand head snap to take Downing to the ground. Downing continued to resist by pulling his hands under his body. The deputy utilized force to secure and handcuff Downing. 

Downing refused to cooperate with Field Sobriety Exercises, the Preliminary Alcohol Screening Test, and an evidentiary blood draw after being read the Montana Implied Consent advisement. The deputy applied for and was granted a search warrant to seize an evidentiary sample of Downing’s blood.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Medical Staff and Claims of Assault: A Troubling Attitude

At St. Patrick Hospital, Downing stated that he would not fight medical staff but that he would fight the deputy again. He also made an untrue statement to medical staff that he “suplexed the officer onto the ground.” This supported the deputy’s conclusion that Downing had a mindset and intent to fight him and assault him.  

The deputy received injuries to his right hand and right wrist, including scrapes and abrasions. The deputy documented his injuries and completed a notice of injury form. 

Downing is currently being charged with felony DUI, resisting arrest, and obstructing a peace officer. His bond was set at $20,000. 

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