Beaverhead County Sheriff Recovering From Lasting Injuries Caused by 2025 Pursuit

BEAVERHEAD COUNTY, Mont. — Beaverhead County Sheriff David Wendt is facing a lengthy and uncertain recovery after undergoing major spinal surgery for injuries sustained during a high-speed pursuit near Lima in August 2025.

According to information Sheriff Wendt provided to SWMT News, the pursuit began at approximately 5 a.m. on Aug. 8, 2025, near mile marker 24 on Interstate 15, just north of Lima.

Wendt said he attempted multiple times to stop an impaired driver who was driving erratically at speeds exceeding 120 mph.

While traveling alongside the vehicle, Wendt observed that the driver was not wearing a seat belt. He determined that performing a pursuit intervention technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, could place the driver’s life in danger.

With other vehicles traveling ahead of the pursuit, Wendt made the decision to move his patrol vehicle in front of the driver in an effort to slow the vehicle and protect other motorists.

The driver initially slowed down but then accelerated rapidly and struck the rear of Wendt’s patrol vehicle at an estimated speed of 70 to 80 mph.

The high-impact collision seriously fractured vertebrae in Wendt’s lower spine.

After waiting several months to be scheduled with a neurosurgical specialist at University of Utah Health, Wendt underwent a six-hour operation on July 16, 2026. The procedure included spinal fusion and disc replacement.

Wendt is now experiencing a long and painful recovery, both in the hospital and at home. At this early stage of healing, it remains unknown whether he will regain full mobility or require additional surgeries.

The driver has pleaded guilty to charges stemming from the incident and is awaiting sentencing.

The incident demonstrates the potentially devastating consequences of impaired driving. One decision placed the driver, law enforcement officers and other motorists at risk—and may have lifelong effects on Sheriff Wendt and his family.