Welfare Check Leads to 7th DUI for a Montana Man

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On December 7, 2025, a Montana Highway Patrol Trooper was dispatched to a report of a welfare check near mile marker 18.5 on Montana Highway 200 in Missoula County. The Department of Transportation reported that a white Honda sedan was parked along the shoulder of the road and requested a welfare check of any occupants. 

At approximately 9:00 a.m., the trooper arrived and observed a vehicle that was registered to 59-year-old Douglas Crook. The trooper observed fresh tire tracks in slushy snow immediately surrounding the tires. The trooper noticed the interior of the vehicle was heavily cluttered with personal items, except for the driver’s seat, which contained what appeared to be a person inside a sleeping bag.  

Then the trooper observed the keys resting on the steering column, next to the ignition. The trooper further noted that the windows were not fogged despite the freezing temperatures, which gave the trooper concern for the occupant’s condition. The trooper called for backup to conduct the welfare check.  

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A Male Emerged From a Sleeping Bag 

As other troopers approached the vehicle, a male emerged from underneath the sleeping bag and unlocked and opened the driver’s side door. The trooper asked the male what he was doing and the male stated he was just trying to get home. While speaking with the male, the trooper detected a very strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle. The trooper noted the male appeared groggy and his eyes were bloodshot.  

The male was identified via a Washington driver’s license as Douglas Crook. Crook stated he was traveling from Saskatoon and denied consuming any alcohol. The trooper requested Crook exit his vehicle. Crook immediately displayed poor balance, taking an unsteady step while using his arms to steady himself. 

The trooper requested Crook perform the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests. When the trooper advised Crook that he was attempting to determine if Crook was safe to operate a motor vehicle, Crook responded, “I’m not.” Crook stated he did not believe he would pass the tests and admitted to consuming rum the previous day. The trooper instructed Crook on the SFSTs and observed 9/18 indicators of impairment. 

READ MORE: Missoula News – Crime Reports 

Crook was then read the PAST Advisory and refused to provide a breath sample, stating, “I won’t pass, no.” Crook was placed under arrest and driven to St. Patrick Hospital. The trooper read Crook the Implied Consent Advisory. Crook agreed to provide a breath sample and was transported to jail. Crook provided a breath sample indicating a BrAC of 0.122. Crook was found to have six prior DUI convictions. Crook is currently being charged with felony DUI and his bond was set at $10,000. 

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