On November 28, 2023 at 8:58pm Gallatin County Dispatch received a report of a suspected intoxicated driver who crashed their vehicle on a neighbor’s property in the area north of Jackson Creek exit.  The driver reportedly sustained a minor injury to the head in the crash, then left on foot, not appropriately dressed for the cold weather.   

Due to the cold weather conditions and the mountain terrain, Gallatin County Sheriff Search and Rescue volunteers from the Valley Section responded to assist Gallatin County Deputies and Montana Highway Patrol in locating the driver in order to ensure their welfare.  The driver was not responsive to attempts to contact them by phone, and GCSO SAR did not locate them.  Eventually, GCSO Deputies received information that the driver made it home safely and chose to avoid contact with responders.   

Sheriff Springer would like to remind the public that in the event of a motor vehicle accident, remain with your vehicle until contacted by Law Enforcement, as it is the obligation of Law Enforcement responders to ensure the welfare of all involved passengers.