Montana Highway Patrol discusses pursuit policies after fatal Highway 3 crash

After a suspect was fatally shot near Acton following a chase by a Montana Highway Patrol trooper, there are questions emerging about the agency's pursuit guidelines. Although specific details of the Sunday incident were not disclosed by the highway patrol on Wednesday, a spokesperson agreed to provide an overview of their pursuit policies. Montana Highway Patrol Lt. Col. Kyle Hayter stated in an interview with MTN News that pursuits are initiated when a suspect fails to comply with a lawful order to stop. He mentioned that the agency conducts around 70,000 to 80,000 vehicle stops annually, with approximately 100 pursuits occurring each year. Factors such as weather conditions, location, violation type, and suspect identity are considered before deciding to engage in a pursuit. The primary objective during a pursuit is to end it as quickly and safely as possible. In critical situations involving dangerous suspects, law enforcement may determine it necessary to continue a pursuit in order to protect the community. The incident involved Trooper Breenen Plucker attempting a traffic stop when the suspect, later identified as Jody Dean Eisenbarth, collided head-on with a semi truck and tragically died at the scene. Plucker's patrol car rolled during the incident, and he was assisted by bystanders. He sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was hospitalized, along with the semi driver who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Hayter emphasized that the decision to pursue is a crucial one for troopers, requiring quick assessment of risks and evolving circumstances. The agency is reviewing its policies regularly to ensure they align with best practices, training methods, and legal standards. The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation is currently looking into the matter.