Driver reportedly brandished machete while tailgating civilians before fleeing officers
EBS STAFF
On Tuesday afternoon, May 6, a high-speed chase in Bozeman resulted in a collision with a police car and subsequent arrest with four counts of assault with a weapon, assault on a peace officer, criminal endangerment and fleeing or eluding a peace officer.
The defendant, Miguel Angel Aldava, made his initial appearance in Gallatin County Justice Court on Wednesday, according to a press release from the Gallatin County Attorney’s Office.
Police reports stated the incident began when a couple driving to Sypes Canyon noticed a vehicle “aggressively” tailgating them, and the driver—later identified as Aldava—reportedly brandished a machete while following the couple, who then called law enforcement. Officers responded at approximately 1:21 p.m.
Once officers located the suspect vehicle and conducted a traffic stop, Aldava initially complied but fled the scene as an additional officer arrived, “initiating a dangerous pursuit through Bozeman at high speeds,” the release stated. The chase continued along Oak Street and concluded at North Seventh Avenue when Aldava collided with a Bozeman Police Department vehicle driven by Officer Connor Foley accompanied by his K-9 partner labrador, Copper. Foley sustained minor injuries.
Videos of the chase have been posted online through Reddit and Facebook including the pursuit, the crash and the eventual arrest.
“When someone chooses to run from law enforcement, they are not just breaking the law—they’re putting lives on the line. We’re grateful no one was seriously injured, but this community will not tolerate that kind of violent behavior,” stated Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell.
The court set bond at $250,000 under the conditions that Aldava make no contact with any victims or witnesses, and does not obtain any firearms or dangerous weapons. His arraignment has not yet been scheduled. At the arraignment, the Defendant will enter a plea, and further court proceedings will be scheduled.
The case remains under investigation.
