GREAT FALLS — On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, the Montana Highway Patrol responded to a rollover crash on I-15 near mile marker 341 in Pondera County.
Elliott Crump of Shelby was identified as the driver and has been charged with driving under the influence (first offense) and failure to give notice of an accident by the quickest means (first offense).
Watch the video here:
Crump is the superintendent of the Shelby School District.
The Cut Bank Pioneer Press reported that he was booked into Pondera County Sheriff’s Office detention center that evening and released the following morning.
A concerned Shelby resident told MTN News: "People have lost trust and faith in the school system. People are talking about pulling their kids from Shelby School, sending them to another one, and/or homeschooling. That really, I feel, does does damage in a way that is irreversible, especially to young people, because that's someone they look up to, someone they feel they can trust to do what is right when it comes to situations like this. Because, I mean, he could have killed somebody."
Other members of the community are also concerned about the incident, and have created a petition asking for "accountability and transparency."
The petition states, in part:
Community members in Shelby are concerned about the superintendent’s recent DUI arrest and the circumstances surrounding the incident, including reports that a school district vehicle may have been involved. Residents believe this situation raises serious questions about leadership, accountability, and the example set for our students.
We have tried contacting members of the school board, but have not yet received a response.
We will update you if we get more information.
