A man is facing multiple charges after deputies say he drove a damaged semi truck through parts of Belleview before being stopped at a local gas station early Saturday morning.
According to an arrest affidavit from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 2 a.m. on April 26 to the area of Southeast 80th Street and U.S. Highway 441 following multiple reports of a reckless driver. Callers reported a white semi truck pulling a trailer had struck property and was continuing southbound while riding on rims, sending sparks into the roadway.
Deputies located the vehicle shortly after in the parking lot of the Circle K on Southeast Abshier Boulevard.
The driver, identified as 54-year-old Tate Lamont Anthony Scott Jr. of Texas, was found in the driver’s seat and described as lethargic and slow to respond. According to the report, he appeared confused about what had occurred and struggled to produce his driver’s license.
The affidavit states the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from Scott, along with watery, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a sluggish demeanor. Scott declined to perform field sobriety exercises and was taken into custody.
Before being transported to jail, Scott was taken to a local emergency room after complaining of head pain, then returned to the scene.
Deputies noted extensive damage to the semi truck, including two missing tires, with the vehicle traveling on rims. Scrape marks were visible along the roadway from the initial incident location to where the truck came to a stop.
While being transported to the Marion County Jail, Scott became verbally aggressive, directing profanities at the deputy, according to the report. Deputies say he then spit on the arresting officer.
At the jail, Scott refused to provide a breath sample after being read implied consent, and also refused to sign the refusal affidavit.
Scott is charged with felony battery on a law enforcement officer, misdemeanor DUI, and refusal to submit to a DUI test after a license suspension. Records show he has a prior DUI conviction from Georgia in 2003.
He was being held without bond, according to jail records.
