Chase On I-15 Near Lima Ends With Disabling Crash, Arrest Of Female Driver

Lima, MT – On August 8, 2025, at approximately 5:11 a.m., the Beaverhead County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a truck driver heading north on I-15 near Lima. The driver reported following a dark-colored SUV with Washington plates since the Idaho border and observed erratic driving behavior.

When nearing Lima, the trucker was able to get cell service and call 911. Sheriff Wendt was immediately notified and began to pursue the vehicle at mile marker 24 near Dell. Upon catching up, Sheriff Wendt observed the SUV’s erratic and reckless driving and activated his emergency lights and siren in an effort to stop the vehicle.

The driver refused to stop, swerving uncontrollably across the roadway. The vehicle’s speed fluctuated between 60 mph and 115 mph over an 11-mile stretch. Sheriff Wendt expressed concern that the SUV, approaching two other vehicles traveling northbound, could cause a serious crash.

The sheriff managed to pass the SUV and slowed down in front of it, causing the driver to temporarily ease her speed and distance herself from the patrol vehicle. However, the driver then abruptly accelerated and rammed the deputy’s vehicle, causing the airbags to deploy and disabling the SUV.

With the assistance of several truckers nearby, Sheriff Wendt was able to remove the aggressive female driver from the vehicle and place her under arrest. Shortly afterward, additional deputies, Beaverhead Ambulance, and Montana Highway Patrol arrived on scene. I-15 northbound was temporarily shut down while authorities secured the scene and conducted their investigation.

The 47-year-old female driver from Washington sustained minor injuries and was transported by ambulance to Barrett Hospital. She was later transferred to the Beaverhead County Jail and booked on charges of DUI and other pending offenses. Authorities indicated that drugs and alcohol played a major role in this incident.