By Crash News Writer 
Billings, MT (July 8, 2025) — A Montana Highway Patrol trooper is recovering after a high-speed pursuit north of Billings ended in a deadly head-on collision, a patrol vehicle rollover, and a roadside wildfire that scorched over 100 acres.
According to reports, the incident began around 12:15 p.m. on July 7 when Trooper Breenen Plucker attempted to stop a speeding driver along Highway 3. A high-speed pursuit close to mile marker 12, in the area near Acton, ended tragically when the suspect refused to pull over and collided head-on with a semi-truck. The impact caused the suspect’s vehicle to catch fire, sparking a grass fire that quickly spread along the highway. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, though authorities have not yet released their identity.
During the incident, Trooper Plucker rolled his patrol vehicle while attempting to avoid the crash. He was transported to a local hospital with injuries that were non-life-threatening and was released later that evening. The driver of the semi-truck was also hospitalized but has since been discharged. Fire crews, supported by helicopters, worked to contain the blaze, which burned approximately 110 acres.
Highway 3 between Shorey Road and Alkali Creek was closed for several hours as investigators processed the scene. The Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the ongoing investigation into the crash and subsequent wildfire. Drivers are advised to remain cautious while traveling in the area as crews continue their work.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on initial reports from local authorities and may be subject to updates as investigations continue.
- The identities of those involved in the incident have not been released pending official confirmation and notification of next of kin.
- Further details about the accident, including toxicology results and potential charges, will be shared as they become available.
- Road closures and traffic updates related to the accident scene can be found by checking with local authorities or traffic monitoring services.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.