06/02/2026
Many of you have noticed the old police car parked near Echo Lake Cafe over the last year and a half.
What many people don't know is why it was there.
On December 1, 2024, a fatal drunk driving accident occurred directly in front of our restaurant. Like so many in our community, we were deeply affected by what happened. That evening, after leaving the scene, sitting at home trying to process the tragedy, we kept asking ourselves the same question: "Could anything have prevented it?"
The only answer we could come up with was that perhaps a visible police presence might have encouraged the drunk driver to slow down and think twice before making dangerous decisions.
A week later, we purchased a retired police car and parked it along the highway. Whether it made a difference or not, we felt it was a small way to encourage safer driving as well as pay tribute to Wyatt, Teressa, her daughter and all their friends and family.
For over a year, it sat there without incident.
Last night, that changed.
The vehicle was extensively vandalized. Every tire was slashed, every window was broken, the headlights and mirrors were smashed, the doors were heavily damaged and carved into, hateful words were carved into the hood, the oil was drained, and much more. If it could be broken, it was. Unfortunately, the car will be removed permanently as there is no way to reasonably fix the extensive damage.
If anyone witnessed what happened or has information regarding this vandalism, we would greatly appreciate you contacting the Flathead County Sheriff's Office or sending us a private message.
We're saddened not only by the damage itself, but by the loss of something that was intended to serve our little corner for many years to come.
