East Helena Motorcyclist Killed, Driver Charged with Vehicular Homicide

Paul Michael Bushnell, 46, of East Helena was charged with felony vehicular homicide while under the influence after his vehicle struck and killed a northbound motorcyclist at the intersection of 4th Street and W. Riggs Street on the evening of Thursday, March 19.

Lewis and Clark County Sheriff/Coroner Leo Dutton identified the victim as Jacob Chester Bright, 27, also of East Helena. Bright was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash but was thrown from his motorcycle and suffered fatal injuries.

According to the Montana Highway Patrol trooper's report, Bushnell had been driving on 4th Street after leaving the Town Pump and attempted a left turn eastbound onto W. Riggs Street. His vehicle collided with Bright's motorcycle, which was traveling northbound on 4th Street and had the right-of-way.

When the trooper approached Bushnell at the scene, he noted a strong odor of alcohol. The trooper alleged Bushnell admitted to drinking at the Town Pump in the hours before the collision. Bushnell is accused of refusing both a preliminary breath test and a blood sample; investigators obtained a warrant and collected a blood sample. Results of that test have not been made public.

Bushnell made his initial appearance in Lewis and Clark County Justice Court on Friday before Judge Mark Piskolich, who set bond at $100,000. Bushnell faces one count of felony vehicular homicide while under the influence. His arraignment in state district court is scheduled for April 7, 2026.