Nick LaSane, a fifth-year senior running back for the Montana State football team, has been arrested on two separate occasions this summer, including in in a June in which he was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
According to court documents obtained by Skyline Sports, the Dallas, Texas native was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, failure to exhibit insurance upon demand and speeding, all misdemeanor crimes, on June 10 at 2:45 a.m. LaSane refused a breathalyzer test and had his Texas driver’s license seized. He was held at the Gallatin County Detention Center on $1,370 bond.
On July 21, LaSane was involved in an altercation at the Rockin’ R Bar at 211 East Main in Bozeman at 1:54 a.m. LaSane was arrested for obstructing a law enforcement officer after he refused to ID himself to officers. He was transported to the Gallatin Valley Detention Center and held on a $355 bond.
Montana State head coach Jeff Choate declined comment on the situation through a Montana State media relations spokesman. The Bobcats open fall camp on Thursday.
MSU running back Nick LaSane (23) stiff arms Montana safety Justin Strong (5) in 2016/by Brooks Nuanez
In nine games last season as MSU’s third running back, LaSane rushed for 263 yards and a touchdown on 35 carries (7.5 yards per carry). The signature run of LaSane’s 2016 season and of his injury-riddled career so far came on a 61-yard jaunt to set up Chad Newell’s four-yard touchdown that gave MSU a 24-7 lead in a 24-17 victory over Montana in Missoula to cap last year’s 4-7 campaign. In his career, LaSane has 80 carries for 452 yards and three touchdowns. He was expected to be Montana State’s No. 1 running back entering his final season.
According to court documents obtained by Skyline Sports:
On June 10, Bozeman police officer Spencer Jenkins was working uniformed patrol duties within the city in an unmarked patrol vehicle. At approximately 2:45 a.m., Jenkins was traveling east on West Main Street in downtown Bozeman. According to Jenkins, LaSane was driving a black 2006 Jeep next to the officer. At the intersection of 11th and Main, both vehicles stopped at a red light. According to Jenkins, LaSane’s vehicle failed to stop before the stop line.
When the light turned green, Jenkins continued to travel east bound, as did the black SUV. LaSane pulled in front of Jenkins and began to exceed the posted 25 mile-per-hour speed limit. Jenkins activated his in-car radar and the SUV was traveling at 34 miles per hour. Jenkins initiated his overhead lights and pulled LaSane over in the parking lot at 507 West Main. Jenkins observed LaSane’s vehicle pull into a parking spot and abruptly struck the curb in the parking lot.
Jenkins made contact with the driver who he identified as Nicholaas E. LaSane, age 21, of Dallas, Texas. Jenkins wrote he could “immediately smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from inside the vehicle in which LaSane was the only occupant”. Jenkins observed LaSane’s speech as “extremely slowed and slurred.” The arresting officer also noticed that LaSane would not look at him while he was speaking.
MSU running back Nick LaSane in 2016/by Brooks Nuanez
LaSane stated he was driving downtown to pick up a friend. The alleged offender had difficulty grabbing the documents Jenkins asked for from him, the officer said. LaSane was unable to provide proof of insurance. Jenkins said he observed LaSane continue to look for his driver’s license, which he had already handed to the officer. When Jenkins asked LaSane how much alcohol he had consumed, LaSane stated he had not consumed any alcohol throughout the night. Jenkins asked LaSane to step out of the vehicle and when he did, Jenkins said LaSane “stumbled as he walked”. Jenkins subsequently conducted a DUI investigation.
After conducting a field sobriety test, Jenkins determined LaSane’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was “significantly impaired by alcohol consumption.” Jenkins placed LaSane under arrest and transported him to the GCDC. At the facility, LaSane refused to provide a voluntary breath sample, meaning his Texas driver’s license is automatically revoked for six months.
The offense is LaSane’s first, meaning the charge is a misdemeanor. A first-time DUI conviction in Montana comes with 24 hours to six months in jail and a fine of $600 to $1,000. Because he refused a breath sample, LaSane will have his license suspended for at least six months.
According to court documents obtained by Skyline Sports regarding the incident on July 21:
Eight Bozeman police officers responded to a report of a fight called in at 1 a.m. that Thursday night. During the course of the investigation, one male, LaSane, was arrested for obstructing a law enforcement officer by refusing to ID himself to the officers. He was transported to the GCDC and held on $355 bond.
John Ryan Scott, age 25 of Tarboro, North Carolina, was found to have a warrant for his arrest. He was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after officers found a glass pipe and a water bottle containing marijuana residue on his person. A utility knife was also seized by reporting officer Connor Foley but an owner was not identified. Scott was arrested for the warrant and taken to GCDC where he was held without bond.
Photos by Brooks Nuanez. All Rights Reserved.
