Chihuahua missing after stolen car crashes

Montana Highway Patrol responded to an accident on Montana 135 on March 24 involving a stolen car.

A 30-year-old woman allegedly stole a vehicle in Plains and attempted to evade local law enforcement before taking off eastbound on Highway 200.

Montana Highway Patrol trooper Zach Rehbein said the woman turned down Montana 135, where she lost control and crashed the vehicle at mile marker 19.8 near Quinn’s Hot Springs Resort.

The driver, who was believed to be under the influence of alcohol, kicked open the door of the car to get out when a small Chihuahua dog that was in the vehicle unbeknown to the woman escaped.

“The driver of the vehicle had sustained extensive injuries from the crash that required immediate medical attention on scene,” said Rehbein.

Paramedics attended the scene and administered medical assistance before transporting the woman to Clark Fork Valley Hospital.

She has been charged with felony theft of a vehicle, DUI, revoked drivers license and a seatbelt violation.

It is unknown at this time if the woman was aware of the small animal in the car when she allegedly stole the vehicle before she took off out of Plains.

“Both myself and the Plains department officer on scene attempted to secure the animal, unfortunately the small dog was too scared to come to us,” he explained.

“The Plains officer did take the owners of the dog [and stolen vehicle] back to the scene to search for their pet,” he added.

Trooper Rehbein said that both he and a Plains officer had made several attempts to catch the small dog without success.

The owners of the dog have taken to social media to ask for the public’s assistance in finding their pet. The little Chihuahua named Buddy was still missing as of press time.