A Belgrade man is facing a $5,000 bond and was charged with a felony DUI after witnesses reported seeing him naked, only wearing a straw hat at a local fishing access site.
Scott D. Thompson, 61, was arrested Tuesday after witnesses reported seeing a suspicious man on the trails at the Erwin Bridge Fishing Access Site. The man was reportedly wearing no clothes and only a straw hat.
According to charging documents, when a Gallatin County Sheriff’s deputy arrived at the site, the witness said Thompson had gotten into a pickup. The deputy reported that Thompson was wearing a bandanna on his head, an unbuttoned shirt and shorts. When questioned, Thompson reportedly said he had been wearing a thong but was not naked.
The deputy noted that Thompson’s speech was slurred and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage could be smelled coming from the vehicle.
Thompson was unable to complete a field sobriety test and refused to provide a preliminary breath test.
A check of Thompson’s criminal history showed 6 prior DUI convictions, with other crimes reported back until 1987. Thompson’s license has been suspended and he will be put on an ankle monitor. He could face up to 5 years in prison if convicted. Thompson’s next court appearance is set for June 19.
