BOZEMAN, MT — A high-speed chase Tuesday evening took law enforcement on a nearly 30-mile pursuit through Gallatin County, beginning in Four Corners and ending in Gallatin Canyon. The chase, which occurred during rush hour, involved multiple law enforcement agencies and raised significant concerns about public safety, given the high speeds and dangerous conditions.
The suspect, Ian Blaylock, 47, led Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputies on a dramatic chase southbound on Highway 191, reaching speeds nearly 40 miles per hour above the limit. The pursuit began after a deputy recognized Blaylock as a wanted individual with an active drug charge warrant out of Broadwater County.
According to Gallatin County Sheriff Sergeant Colter Metcalf, the risks inherent in high-speed pursuits were at the forefront of deputies’ minds throughout the chase. “I think it’s important to note, first and foremost, all pursuits are terrifying, even for law enforcement officers,” Metcalf said.
Metcalf emphasized that law enforcement follows a strict protocol to prioritize public safety during such pursuits, which are always risky. “We try to stick to the same rule book wherever they happen,” he stated. Despite these efforts, the chase forced some drivers to swerve out of the way as deputies attempted to stop Blaylock in Gallatin Canyon, a notoriously dangerous stretch of road.
“Gallatin County has some exceedingly dangerous roads, even when you’re not pursuing someone, one of which is Highway 191,” Metcalf added.
After the chase entered Gallatin Canyon, deputies deployed spike strips to stop Blaylock, which successfully deflated three of the vehicle’s tires. With the suspect’s car significantly disabled, Blaylock was eventually stopped.
Metcalf noted that the confined space of Gallatin Canyon, combined with sub-zero temperatures, made the situation more complex for law enforcement. “The extreme temperatures make it imperative to capture the suspect quickly, as fleeing on foot would pose a significant risk of hypothermia or worse,” Metcalf said.
In addition to the dangerous driving behavior, deputies discovered a white substance in Blaylock’s vehicle that tested positive for methamphetamine.
Blaylock appeared in Justice Court following the incident. His high-speed escape added another chapter to an already volatile situation that could have ended much worse. Authorities continue to stress the importance of public safety during pursuits, especially in conditions where swift action is needed to avoid further risk.
