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Missoula high-speed chase suspect faces 7 charges

Posted at 5:45 PM, Apr 04, 2018
and last updated 2018-04-04 19:45:41-04

MISSOULA – One of two suspects accused of fleeing from police on Monday at speeds over 85 miles per hour, through red lights and into oncoming traffic, appeared in Missoula County Justice Court on Wednesday afternoon.

39-year-old Joseph Wayne Waters of Billings is being held on seven charges stemming from the incident, including several felonies. He also has a warrant for failing to appear out of Yellowstone County.

Those charges include two counts of felony criminal endangerment, felony carrying a concealed firearm and felony drug possession of methamphetamine, among other misdemeanors.

Waters is a registered violent offender who prosecutors say is a flight risk.

Prosecutors say the incident began Monday evening when a Missoula Police officer responded to a report of possible drug activity on the 2000 block of South 7th Street W. They say Waters left the scene, eventually reaching high speeds heading southbound down Russell Street.

According to prosecutors, the vehicle turned into the Albertson’s parking lot near the intersection with Brooks Street where Waters and an adult female jumped out the moving vehicle.

A foot chase ensued with Waters running through Albertson’s before being arrested in the store.

He appeared before Judge Landee Holloway who set his bond at $100,000. His next appearance is scheduled for April 18.