BOZEMAN — Amy I. Jones of Billings, accused of speeding through a Bozeman construction zone on Friday, was seen in Gallatin County Justice Court on Monday morning.
Jones, 44 years old, has been charged with criminal endangerment.
According to charging documents, Bozeman police officers responded to a possible DUI at 11:45 a.m. on Friday, October 16. Witnesses said a person in a brown Toyota Tundra drove through a construction zone on North Rouse Ave at 60 miles per hour, 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 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 miles per hour through the construction zone and said it was because of the “space music” she was listening to.
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 five ounces of whiskey; 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 arrested for criminal endangerment; there is no word at this point on what additional charges she might face.
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 November 13.
