Drunk Driver Steals Employer’s Truck, Crashes Into a Pole

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On June 6, 2026, the Missoula Police Department received a citizen report of a shirtless male inspecting damage to a grey truck in the vicinity of Woodford and E. Bickford. The caller reported that the shirtless male entered the vehicle and drove into the garage of a private residence located in the 800 block of Woodford Street. The driver “crashed” into the garage when doing so.  

According to court documents, 47-year-old Kyle Johnston lives at the location reported by the caller. Officers contacted Johnston at his front door. He was shirtless and agreed to allow officers to enter to inspect the damage to the vehicle. Officers photographed a Gray Toyota Tundra. Johnston stated that he is not used to pulling a truck this large into his garage when officers pointed out items wedged underneath the vehicle. Johnston explained that he ran over some items in the garage due to the size difference between the truck and the vehicle he typically drives.  

Johnston exhibited bloodshot and watery eyes, and his speech was slurred. The officer could also smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. Based on his training and experience, the officer formed the opinion that Johnston was impaired.  

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Officers contacted Johnston’s employer, who confirmed that a month earlier, Johnston was driving a company truck when the employer used the on-board tracking system to determine that Johnston was at a bar and not working.

On this date, the truck was his employer’s personal vehicle and not a fleet vehicle equipped with a tracker. The employer advised that Johnston does not have permission to drive his vehicle at night. The employer told officers that he believed that Johnston took his truck around 7:00 p.m. because Johnston knew that the employer would be out of town.  

Officers formed probable cause to believe that Johnston committed Theft of a Motor Vehicle. The officer issued a Miranda warning to Johnston. He acknowledged that he understood his rights and provided a statement. Johnston explained that he drank alcohol at the T&C Lounge with his girlfriend earlier. On his way back home, he struck a power pole located on Mount Avenue and Stephens Avenue.  

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

Johnston’s preliminary breath test registered .20 BAC, further supporting the arresting officer’s observation and opinion that Johnston was under the influence of alcohol at the time of driving. Officers estimated that the damage caused to the telephone pole exceeded $1500. 

Johnston was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Facility. He is currently being charged with felony DUI. Court documents indicate Johnston has four prior DUI convictions. His bond was set at $25,000. 

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