The Bozeman Police Department has substantially completed its investigation into the vehicle versus pedestrian collision on West Oak Street on February 26. Tragically, this collision took the life of Bozeman resident Leslie Brown.  

The investigation indicated a passenger vehicle driven by a juvenile was traveling west on Oak Street in the outside lane, the lane closest to the north curb. As another vehicle in front of the juvenile driver came to a stop to allow Brown to cross, the juvenile changed lanes and proceeded through the posted pedestrian crosswalk, striking Brown as she crossed. 

“The investigation has determined at this point that excessive speed was not a factor in the collision,” said Bozeman Police Chief Jim Veltkamp. “Instead, inattentive and distracted driving appear to be the primary factors that led to this crash. It appears the driver was distracted by activity in the vehicle and failed to anticipate the reason the other vehicle had come to a stop at the crosswalk.”     

Since the driver was a juvenile, their identity will not be released. Once the final steps in the investigation have been completed, the City and County Attorneys’ offices will be consulted prior to appropriate charges being filed.   

The Bozeman Police Department extend their deepest condolences to the family of Leslie Brown. Thank you again to the Montana Highway Patrol for their assistance in this investigation.