Road Rage: Impaired Driver With a Gun Sparks Chaos at the Mall

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On January 28, 2026, Missoula Police Department Officers responded to a report of assault with a weapon at Texas Roadhouse. The caller stated a male was waving a firearm at him. The caller gave a description of the male and his vehicle. Officers located the matching vehicle in the parking lot and the male, 41-year-old David Morris, in the restaurant. 

An officer called the complainant, John Doe, who stated that he and his girlfriend, Jane Doe, were in his truck and were in Missoula from out of town. They exited the interstate at Reserve and drove south. They first noticed the suspect vehicle, a red Volkswagen, near TJ Maxx. The Volkswagen was driving very slowly, down to 20 MPH, and was stopping for no apparent reason. The driver of the VW was swerving and then suddenly slammed on his brakes and stopped in the middle of the road. Doe drove around him and continued on his way.  

Then the VW, driven by Morris, accelerated rapidly while still swerving and flashing his lights at Doe. Doe continued to drive away while Morris followed them through several turns. Doe believed Morris was drunk driving. When Doe got to the mall, they were by the Dillard's north entrance. Morris followed them.  

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Doe got out of his truck to speak to Morris, who then drove at him like he was going to hit him. Doe jumped back in his truck and went around Morris’ vehicle. Morris pulled in front of Doe like he was trying to trap him. Morris parked diagonally in front of Doe’s truck as he was trying to drive away.  

Morris then waved a pistol out the passenger window at them. Doe pulled to the back of the parking lot and called 911. Doe clarified that the gun was pointed at them. His passenger, Jane, was shaking and was scared that he would shoot them.  

Officers found Morris in the restaurant. They patted him down for weapons and detained him. Officers found Morris difficult to understand. He jumped around and rambled inappropriately. Morris said he ate a 5-10mg cannabis gummy 3-4 hours before this. He was slow in his movements and confused at times. He appeared pale and complained of a dry mouth. Officers recognized these as signs of drug impairment.  

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Morris consented to a search of his vehicle, where the gun was found and seized. Then Morris was taken to St. Patrick Hospital for a blood draw. After that, Morris was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with two counts of felony assault with a weapon and felony DUI. According to court documents, Morris has five prior DUI convictions. His bond was set at $10,000. 

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