Eastern Montana Police Chase Ends with Wanted Iowa Man Arrested

As a Generation X country kid growing up on gravel roads with not a whole lot of police presence, I may have bent a driving law or two.  But even in a sparsely populated area, I knew I stood no chance against the dreaded radio of an officer calling in backup.

via GIPHY

Which is why it astounds me that some 4 or 5 decades later, and with the huge advancements in technology, criminals still think they can outrun law enforcement.  Especially in less populated areas like eastern Montana.

Get our free mobile app

Eastern Montana Police Chase Ends with Wanted Iowa Man Arrested

The Custer County Sheriff's Office has released information on a nearly daylong pursuit On September 20, 2026, through and around Miles City, Montana.  Sheriff Brandon Kelm said at about 8:30am a traffic complaint was received about a vehicle traveling Highway 12 and entering the town.  When a deputy attempted a stop on the westbound vehicle, the occupant fled.

Fedorovekb

READ MORE:  Homelessness in Great Falls Event Coming in November with Family Promise Organization

The pursuit of the red vehicle continued at high rates of speed throughout Miles City, with efforts to stop the car with spike strips ineffective.  Once both Sheriff's deputies and city police lost sight of the vehicle, the pursuit was terminated.

Suspect Car Later Spotted Stuck - Small Pursuit Ends with Arrest of Wanted Man

When officers followed up on the suspect, identified as Stephen Hollingsworth, it was discovered he was wanted for escape in Iowa and was considered possibly armed and dangerous.  Just before noon, a call about a trespassing vehicle fitting the description of the wanted car was received from Fort Keogh employees.

Thinkstock Images

Officers arrived to find the suspect had fled south on the property.  Law enforcement tracked down the car about 6 miles south of Miles City around 4pm and Hollingsworth was taken into immediate custody.  He was then transported to the Custer County Detention Center where he is being held on local charges.

The Miles City Police Department, Miles City Fire Rescue, Custer County Fire, Montana Highway Patrol and the Southeastern Montana Dispatch assisted with the arrest.