Missoula, MT – On the night of November 1, 2026, a Missoula Police Department officer conducting speed enforcement in the 1800 block of North Avenue West spotted a Subaru traveling 49 mph in a 25‑mph zone. The officer’s in‑car radar locked the speed and began a pursuit.
Chase through Residential Streets
The officer followed the vehicle into a parking lot off Russell Street, where the driver accelerated sharply. After activating his siren and lights, the suspect fled onto Russell Street, then turned onto Strand Avenue, repeatedly turning the vehicle’s rail lights off and making jerky motions. The Subaru attempted to turn onto Stephens Avenue, but its excessive speed caused it to go over the curb, damaging landscaping and blowing out the right‑front tire.
Undeterred, the driver steered back onto Stephens Avenue, then onto Mount Avenue, where the vehicle ran a red light at the intersection of Russell Street and Mount Avenue. While traversing the residential area on Mount Avenue, the officer observed the Subaru reach a top speed of 75 mph, later running a stop sign at Eaton Street and continuing onto 14th Street and South Clark Street.
High‑Risk Stop and Arrest
During the pursuit, the officer saw the driver’s door open while the vehicle was still moving, suggesting an attempt to flee on foot. The Subaru finally stopped in the 1600 block of Clark Street. A male occupant exited the vehicle, prompting the officer to draw his firearm for a high‑risk stop. Additional officers arrived, and the suspect complied with commands to get on the ground.
While the suspect was on the ground, the Subaru, still in gear, struck a parked vehicle. The male, identified as 23‑year‑old Ellec Brumwell‑Roscoe, was taken into custody, read his Miranda rights, and chose to speak.
Suspect’s Statement
Brumwell‑Roscoe told officers he had found the Subaru unlocked with the keys in the ignition near South 5th Street West minutes before the chase began. He said he was attempting to leave town because he had nowhere else to stay. When he saw the police vehicle’s lights and siren, he admitted, “F**k, I just stole this car. I better get outta here.”
Charges and Legal Consequences
The suspect was transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility and is being charged with felony theft of a light vehicle, felony aggravated fleeing from an officer, and speeding. He also faces a pending theft‑of‑motor‑vehicle charge in Missoula County, resulting in a bail set at $100,000.
The incident underscores the Missoula Police Department’s commitment to enforcing traffic laws and swiftly responding to dangerous criminal activity, especially when it threatens the safety of residents in residential neighborhoods.
Original reporting: NewsTalk KGVO 1290 (Townsquare) — read the source article.
