BOZEMAN - 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 six 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 five years in prison if convicted. Thompson’s next court appearance is set for June 19.
