BOZEMAN — Sunday evening, Gallatin County sheriff's deputies took into custody a man reported to be on top of a 7-story container at a fuel storage facility in Bozeman. Now, the man faces charges for trespassing, obstructing a peace officer, and resisting arrest.
Neal Scott Fairchild, 43, appeared in Gallatin County Justice Court on Monday, where his bail was set at $1,500.
According to court documents, around 6 p.m. Sunday deputies spotted Fairchild standing on top of a container at the Phillips 66 Products Terminal on West Griffin Drive. The reporting deputy said he estimated the container to be approximately 7 stories tall.
Deputies reportedly asked Fairchild to come down multiple times, which he refused to do. Court documents say he eventually came down to retrieve a bottle of water he had requested.
Fairchild was allegedly holding a box over his head as though he intended to throw it at the deputies. The reporting deputy said he aimed his taser at Fairchild and told him to drop the box and get on the ground.
The deputy said Fairchild complied but refused to place his hands behind his back, resisting arrest by curling up and clenching his arms against his chest. Deputies said they had to pull Fairchild's arms behind his back to place him in handcuffs.
Court documents say Bozeman police arrived on scene to assist and, as Fairchild continued to resist officers, they placed him in a restraint; he was then transported to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital for evaluation. He was medically cleared and transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center.
Fairchild faces up to six months in jail for each charge. His next court appearance is set for Oct. 11.
