Missoula, MT – A Missoula man is facing multiple charges after leading police on a high-speed chase, crashing into a fence, and being found in possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. The incident unfolded on the evening of December 7, 2024, when 26-year-old Richard Nygaard was apprehended following a pursuit that began at a gas station on Russell Street and Mount Avenue.
According to the Missoula Police Department, an officer on patrol spotted Nygaard’s vehicle parked at the gas station and knew he was wanted on a no-bond arrest warrant. The officer approached Nygaard and informed him of the warrant, but before the officer could take him into custody, Nygaard jumped into his vehicle and fled the scene.
The officer followed Nygaard, initiating a pursuit that saw the suspect run multiple stop signs as he sped through residential streets. Nygaard continued to flee at high speeds, turning northbound into an alleyway near Stephens Avenue and failing to stop at several intersections along the way, including Knowles Street, West Harlem Street, West Addison Street, West Bickford Street, and West Franklin Street.
Despite the officer’s efforts to close the gap, Nygaard’s vehicle eventually crashed into a fence in an alley near Crosby Street, bringing the pursuit to a halt. Nygaard then abandoned the vehicle and ran on foot, leading officers on another short chase. He was eventually found hiding in a small space between a shed and a fence in the 600 block of Rollins Street.
When officers attempted to take Nygaard into custody, he refused to comply with verbal commands to exit the hiding spot. After warning Nygaard that they would deploy a less-lethal 40mm impact launcher, officers fired two rounds, prompting Nygaard to slowly surrender.
A search of Nygaard’s vehicle, requested by his probation officer, revealed several syringes, a digital scale, and two baggies containing methamphetamine. As a result, Nygaard was arrested and charged with felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs, obstructing a peace officer, fleeing from a peace officer, and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia.
Nygaard was transported to the Missoula County Detention Center and is being held on a $250,000 bond. His arrest is part of ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to crack down on drug-related offenses and prevent the dangerous behavior associated with fleeing from authorities.
