BOZEMAN — A Billings woman accused of speeding through a Bozeman construction zone on Friday was seen in Gallatin County Justice Court Monday morning.
Amy I. Jones, 44, was charged with criminal endangerment and faces a $500 bail.
According to charging documents, Bozeman Police officers responded to a possible DUI at 11:45 am on Friday, Oct. 16, 2020. Witnesses said a person in a brown Toyota Tundra drove through a construction zone on No. Rouse Ave at 60 mph, locked their brakes, and almost hit several vehicles. Witnesses had the vehicle “blocked in” and the reporting party believed the driver had been drinking.
When the police arrived, they saw several construction workers and vehicles in front of a Toyota Tundra. When contacted by an officer, Jones did not deny traveling approximately 70 mph through the construction zone and said it was because of the “space music” she was listening to.
Witnesses claimed Jones was traveling approximately 60-70 mph through the construction zone and almost struck several vehicles and bystanders before slamming on her brakes.
Jones’ vehicle reportedly came to rest just a few feet from a parked vehicle. The officer noted in court documents that the construction zone Jones was speeding through was completely closed to the general public and had several hazard cones and a sign stating so.
Jones reportedly admitted to consuming alcohol and said she had 5 oz of whiskey, but the officer noted in the report that he couldn’t smell alcohol on Jones, but her eyes were red and glassy. Jones reportedly made several statements that were nonsensical throughout the officer’s interaction, and her emotions were erratic causing Jones to laugh hysterically and then cry for several minutes.
A preliminary breath sample returned at .000 BAC. Jones was placed under arrest for criminal endangerment.
During a search, a small marijuana pipe and a metal cylinder containing marijuana were found. A blood sample was collected at the hospital.
Jones’ next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 13, 2020.
