Belgrade man accused of 5th DUI

A 37-year-old Belgrade resident convicted of DUI four times in recent years has been accused of driving while intoxicated again.

The resident, Anthony Mark Hayes, was arrested May 6 following an investigation that began about 10:28 p.m. May 6 when multiple 911 callers reported a crash at North Weaver Street and Main Street in Belgrade.

“Officers arrived and observed 2 motorcycles,” reads an affidavit one of the officers filed in Gallatin County Justice Court. “1 motorcycle was on its side in the middle of the intersection, and there was an injured driver on the ground.”

The other motorcyclist – allegedly Hayes -- had reportedly parked his vehicle in the road on Weaver Street near a stop sign and was tending to his injured associate. Officers determined his motorcycle was not involved in the crash. He alleged that the other motorcyclist crashed after turning too short when turning onto Main Street, according to the affidavit.

“He then stated he ‘parked’ his motorcycle to help [the other motorcyclist],” the affidavit reads.

Hayes changed his story “several times,” such as claiming he’d called for a Lyft ride but then, upon being asked to provide evidence that he’d done so, saying someone else ordered the Lyft, the affidavit alleges.

“It appeared obvious that both Anthony and [the other driver] were leaving the location at the same time, and that is why Anthony’s motorcycle got to its location in the middle of the street,” the affidavit reads. “It should also be noted that later when Anthony was placed under arrest, he made the excited utterance, ‘Yeah I should have left, and I stayed.’ This indicated to me that Anthony thought he should have left prior to law enforcement arriving to the crash, to avoid jail.”

The investigator, a Belgrade police officer, advised that Hayes be prosecuted on a felony DUI charge due to the number of prior DUIs Hayes has.

“Anthony admitted to drinking alcohol tonight,” the affidavit reads. “I could smell the very strong odor of alcohol on him. He had profanity filled mood swings, slurred speech and watery, bloodshot eyes.”