Montana Crime Report
Police say James Howard rear-ended a stopped Volkswagen while attempting to urinate into a Budweiser can and later tested at more than three times the alcohol limit.
Prepared for Crimes of the Week | Verified through July 30, 2026
Summary
Howard drove a Chevrolet Suburban and rear-ended a Volkswagen stopped at a traffic light.
Two people were inside the struck vehicle.
Howard allegedly said he was attempting to urinate into a Budweiser can while driving.
Officers reported an odor of alcohol and wet clothing.
Testing reportedly placed his alcohol concentration at more than three times the legal limit.
Howard had four prior impaired-driving convictions and a suspended license.
Police charged him with aggravated felony DUI, reckless driving and suspended-license operation.
He was held on $10,000 bond.
1. The Crime or Misconduct
Howard drove a Chevrolet Suburban and rear-ended a Volkswagen stopped at a traffic light.
Two people were inside the struck vehicle.
The central legal question is whether the evidence proves the charged conduct or supports the reported disciplinary outcome. The unusual object, food, slogan, vehicle or social-media angle may explain why the case attracted attention, but it does not alter the required burden of proof.
2. Crime Location
The reported event occurred at Montana roadway at a stopped traffic light. Exact residential addresses and unnecessary identifying information are omitted.
3. Date and Time
The relevant reported date or period was 2025. Later procedural developments are reflected in the case-status section.
4. Police Department or Investigating Authority
The matter was handled by Montana law enforcement. Court and disciplinary bodies may have become involved after the initial investigation.
5. Defendant or Subject Name
The person or people identified in the public record were James Howard.
6. Age
The reported age or age range was 53.
7. Charges or Proceeding
The principal charge or proceeding was Felony aggravated DUI, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.
The precise wording of a charge can change through amendment, reduction, plea negotiations or verdict. This article uses the most recent verified description available.
8. Bond Amount or Custody
$10,000.
9. Conviction
The available public record did not establish a final conviction. The subject must be described according to the current procedural status rather than as guilty.
10. Sentence
No final criminal sentence was verified unless specifically stated in the status or outcome above. Bond amounts and statutory maximums are not sentences.
11. Outcome
Howard was jailed following the collision.
Administrative actions such as termination, no-contact orders or professional discipline are separate from a criminal conviction unless the public record states otherwise.
12. Victim
Two occupants of the Volkswagen struck from behind.
Private addresses and unnecessary personal details are not included. Minor victims are not identified.
Victim Name
The victim information is limited to what was necessary and publicly reported above.
Victim Age
Any publicly reported victim age is included above. No age is inferred when the source did not provide one.
13. Thoughts
The can became a symbol of two simultaneous failures: drinking before driving and attempting a bathroom maneuver behind the wheel. The collision put other motorists into the story, which strips away the novelty and leaves a repeat impaired-driving allegation.
SEO Keywords
James Howard, Budweiser, DUI, Montana, Traffic Crash, Male, Montana, James Howard, Felony aggravated DUI, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license
Sources
Suggested Tags
James Howard, Budweiser, DUI, Montana, Traffic Crash, Male
This article is based on police records, court reporting and publicly available source material reviewed through July 30, 2026. An arrest or criminal charge is not proof of guilt. Later court developments may require an additional update.
