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More Wrong Way Drivers to Start 2025

In 2024, a string of wrong-way driving incidents on Interstate 90 in the Gallatin Valley, including a fatal accident near Three Forks, sent shockwaves through the community. Just days into 2025, things have not gotten any better.

According to Montana Highway Patrol Sergeant John Metcalfe, there have been six reports of wrong-way drivers in Gallatin County since January 1.

Metcalfe said one motorist was arrested for DUI, one was arrested on dangerous drug charges, and in three instances, MHP and/or local law enforcement attempted to locate the motorist and were unable to do so.

Metcalfe added one motorist was stopped, corrected, and has been submitted for a reexamination by the Motor Vehicle Division.

One of the six incidents in 2025 occurred on January 6, when the MHP received reports of a vehicle driving the wrong way on I-90 near Three Forks.

According to court documents, initial reports at 3:40 p.m. stated a red Dodge with Idaho plates was traveling westbound in the eastbound lane, exiting on the Logan-Trident Interchange, and later reported as going westbound in the westbound lane.

In the documents, MHP Trooper Philip Rhodes states he drove westbound through Gallatin County and Broadwater County all the way to the Jefferson County line and was unable to locate the vehicle.

After stopping to refuel his patrol car at the Town Pump at the US 287 Interchange, the documents state Rhodes found the vehicle and made contact with 50-year-old Troy Shutter of Washington state.

According to the documents, Rhodes asked Shutter how the vehicle made it to Town Pump and received the response, "I drove it here to get it off the road."

"I told Shutter that reports were saying that he drove the wrong way on the Interstate on the shoulder, and he said, 'Yes sir, I did; I ain't going to lie about that.'"

Rhodes reported he then arrested Shutter for criminal endangerment and transported him to the Gallatin County Detention Center, where staff found a baggie of methamphetamine in his pocket.

Rhodes said in the documents he later tested the crystal substance and confirmed it was methamphetamine.

Shutter, who appeared in Gallatin County Justice Court on January 7, has been charged with felony counts of Criminal Endangerment and Possession of Dangerous Drugs. He has also been charged with Misdemeanor charges of Driving without a Valid driver's License, Operating Without Liability Insurance, and Operating a Vehicle That Has Not Been Properly Registered.

Shutter's bail was set at $35,000.