'Magic mushrooms' allegedly found after Bozeman police chased man in jail

BOZEMAN – A man was arrested in Bozeman on Friday, August 24, after leading police on a chase through city traffic while allegedly in possession of a large quantity of psilocybin mushrooms.

Jacob Estep, 34, appeared in Gallatin County District Court on Monday. He was charged with drug possession, possession with intent to resell, fleeing from a police officer, criminal endangerment and possession of forfeitable property.

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According to court documents, Estep was observed by a Bozeman Police Department officer in a white GMC Yukon driving north on Ferguson Avenue near the intersection with West Oak Street at around 9:34 p.m. Friday.

The officer said the Yukon was traveling several miles per hour slower than the speed limit, accelerated and braked erratically, skidded within its lane and crossed the fog line.

The officer reportedly followed Estep as he turned east onto Baxter Lane and then continued driving erratically.

According to court documents, Estep continued to drive slowly until the officer turned on his hazard lights. He then allegedly accelerated to 80 mph in a 30 mph zone. He then ran a red light at the corner of Baxter and 19th Avenue, disregarded the stop sign at the corner of Baxter and 7th, and continued driving, passing southbound traffic in the right-turn lane at the corner of 7th and Oak Street.

The officer said in his report that Estep nearly collided with a patrol car that had flashing blue lights at the intersection of 7th and Oak, then continued south at over 80 miles per hour. At the intersection of 7th and Durston Street, he allegedly ran another red light, turned west onto Durston Street, and then stopped in the middle of the road at 15th Avenue.

According to court documents, Estep refused to turn and exit his vehicle and continued driving, turning north onto 17th Avenue before stopping in the street a second time. The officer said Estep eventually complied, exited his vehicle and laid down in the street.

Estep was detained in handcuffs without incident and was reportedly identified as a known drug user due to previous contact with a Bozeman Police Sergeant.

During a search in Yukon, the reporting officer said he discovered what appeared to be a nearly full gallon-sized bag of psilocybin mushrooms, better known as “magic mushrooms.” The officer said this amount of drugs was typical for distribution rather than personal use. The officer further stated that the vehicle was occupied, with several suitcases and a metal briefcase.

A Gallatin County Sheriff's Office deputy arrived at the scene with his handler. The dog reportedly gave a clear indication of the presence of dangerous drugs.

According to court documents, Estep was taken to the Gallatin County Detention Center, where he refused to take a standard sobriety test or provide a breath sample. A drug recognition expert said Estep exhibited signs of drug use, including heavy sweating, dilated pupils, rigid muscle tone, extreme behavioral changes, delusions and illusions.

The reporting officer said he took Estep to Bozeman Health Deaconess Regional Medical Center to execute a warrant for a blood draw. On the way there, Estep allegedly hit his head on the patrol car's support, resulting in a laceration to his head. The officer said blood was running down Estep's head and he then spat blood from the wound on the back of the vehicle.

A further search of Estep's vehicle revealed that the bag containing the psilocybin mushrooms weighed 89 grams. Three additional bags containing mushrooms with a total weight of 132.5 grams were also found in a sentry safe.

The search also reportedly revealed ammunition for a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol, several cell phones, 68 capsules of LSD, several bottles of anabolic steroids and silver dollar coins dating to 1881.

In court on Monday, prosecutors said Estep had previously been charged with drug offenses during his 22 years in the area.

Estep's bail was set at $75,000 and his next court date is scheduled for September 13, 2024.