Deputy acquitted, defense seeks speeding law change

Source: missoulian.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

A Missoula County jury acquitted Sheriff's Deputy Michael Baker of a speeding charge stemming from a May 2024 crash on U.S. Highway 93 south of Lolo that killed 81-year-old Gaylord Angst. Baker was heading to execute a search warrant in a child sexual exploitation case without using emergency lights or sirens. The article reports the defense's post-verdict push for changes to Montana's outdated speeding law for police, following the April 3, 2026 verdict.[[3]](https://missoulian.com/news/local/crime-courts/article_c4a3cda7-7419-4d24-85c3-594203d70455.html)[[1]](https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/missoula-county-sheriffs-deputy-acquitted-of-speeding-charge)[[2]](https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoula-jury-acquits-deputy-in-fatal-crash-speeding-cash)

Key points

Details and context

Deputy Baker was responding to a high-priority search warrant on the Missoula-Ravalli county line tied to Matthew Tack's child sexual exploitation investigation; policy allowed speeding without signals in such operations to preserve evidence and safety.[[2]](https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoula-jury-acquits-deputy-in-fatal-crash-speeding-cash)[[4]](https://www.msuexponent.com/news/state/missoula-county-deputy-charged-with-speeding-in-crash-that-killed-man-set-to-go-to/article_bb84b9d5-2196-51f8-8fe9-2aa196af3c18.html)

Montana Code, originating in 1955, permits officers to speed with visual or audible signals, or both, plus due regard for others; defense argued modern threats like school shootings justify broader discretion, while prosecutors said no signals means no exemption.[[1]](https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/missoula-county-sheriffs-deputy-acquitted-of-speeding-charge)[[2]](https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoula-jury-acquits-deputy-in-fatal-crash-speeding-cash)

Angst had health issues affecting his driving; an independent probe followed standard protocol for officer-involved fatalities.[[1]](https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/missoula-county-sheriffs-deputy-acquitted-of-speeding-charge)

Key quotes

"Lance Jasper said he hopes lawmakers will revisit [the 1955 law]."[[1]](https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/missoula-county-sheriffs-deputy-acquitted-of-speeding-charge) – KPAX reporting defense post-verdict comment.

"If you exceed the speed limit, you’re speeding... It’s truly that simple." – Prosecutor Matt Jennings in closing arguments.[[2]](https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoula-jury-acquits-deputy-in-fatal-crash-speeding-cash)

Why it matters

The case exposes gaps between outdated traffic laws for police and real-world duties like undercover operations. It means officers may face prosecution for speeding without signals even on urgent calls, potentially affecting response tactics. Watch if Montana lawmakers address the 1955 statute in the next session, though no changes are confirmed.

What changed

Before the trial, Baker faced a misdemeanor speeding citation issued after a May 2024 probe. The jury acquitted him on April 3, 2026, clearing the charge. No conviction resulted, ending the case.

FAQ

Q: Why did Deputy Baker speed without lights or sirens?

A: He was en route to a search warrant in a child sexual exploitation case; signals could alert suspects, risking evidence destruction or harm to a possible child victim. Defense said policy allowed it for public safety. Baker drove a marked patrol car as a visual signal.[[1]](https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/missoula-county-sheriffs-deputy-acquitted-of-speeding-charge)[[2]](https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoula-jury-acquits-deputy-in-fatal-crash-speeding-cash)

Q: What did prosecutors argue in the trial?

A: Missoula County Attorney Matt Jennings said the 1955 law requires visual or audible signals to speed legally; none were used, so Baker must follow standard traffic rules like civilians. The case was about equal justice, not the crash itself.[[2]](https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoula-jury-acquits-deputy-in-fatal-crash-speeding-cash)

Q: How did the defense respond to the speeding charge?

A: Attorney Lance Jasper argued Baker showed "due regard" for safety, including officer and public protection; modern policing needs flexibility beyond 1955 rules. The jury agreed Baker acted as an officer, not civilian.[[2]](https://nbcmontana.com/news/local/missoula-jury-acquits-deputy-in-fatal-crash-speeding-cash)

Q: What is next after the not guilty verdict?

A: Jasper hopes the Legislature revisits the speeding law; prosecutors respect the outcome but defended charging based on probable cause. No further action on the ticket.[[1]](https://www.kpax.com/news/missoula-county/missoula-county-sheriffs-deputy-acquitted-of-speeding-charge)

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