Another wrong-way driver was arrested in Gallatin County for drunk driving

BOZEMAN – A Washington state man was arrested after allegedly driving while intoxicated the wrong way on I-90 between Bozeman and Livingston on Friday, August 16, 2024.

Rodney Edmund Wallis, 56, of Seattle, appeared in Gallatin County Court on Monday on 10 counts of criminal endangerment.

According to court documents, several callers from Gallatin and Park counties reported a wrong-way driver traveling east and west on I-90 around 11:15 a.m. Friday.

The vehicle reportedly turned around and continued in the correct direction near mile marker 321 west of Livingston.

A Montana Highway Patrol trooper said he found the vehicle, a gold Subaru Forester, near mile marker 307 in Bozeman. The trooper said the vehicle failed to stay in its lane and crossed the white fog line multiple times, indicating driving under the influence.

RELATED VIDEO: Wrong-way driver accused of seriously injuring woman near Livingston identified

Wrong-way driver accused of seriously injuring woman near Livingston identified

According to court documents, the officer stopped the vehicle at mile 304. The officer said Wallis had a dazed expression on his face, his eyes were red and watery, and he smelled strongly of alcohol.

According to court documents, Wallis was found with several open alcoholic beverages in his vehicle and was unable to complete standard sobriety tests. He reportedly told the officer he was going through “personal things,” admitted he had started drinking at noon the day before and last drank three or four hours before the traffic stop.

WATCH MORE: Travelers passing fatal crash on I-90 near Three Forks react as they observe the accident scene

Travelers passing a fatal accident on I-90 near Three Forks react as they witness the accident

Wallis reportedly said he saw all the vehicles coming toward him and honked before realizing he was going in the wrong direction.

According to court documents, Wallis provided a breath sample that showed a blood alcohol content of 0.265, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08.

The officer said in court documents that 10 reporting parties were identified as victims and added to the incident report.

In court on Monday, Wallis was identified as a teacher at a high school near Seattle. His bail was set at $25,000 and his next court date is scheduled for September 6, 2024.