Brian Marks, 47, appeared in Gallatin County Justice Court on Tuesday morning on the charges of robbery and assault with a weapon.
In court, it was disclosed that Marks has been living in Belgrade since June, for seasonal work. Marks does have an order for protection, unrelated to this case, out of state. He is not supposed to have a weapon, according to court records. Marks, a USMC veteran, is facing a $50,000 bail and if released must wear a GPS monitor.
According to charging documents, Marks was arrested Monday morning after he came to the Law and Justice Center to speak to detectives about the incident that occurred on Saturday, Aug. 8.
Witnesses told law enforcement that a man reportedly fired shots at a group of people in the Whiskey Bay area of Hebgen Lake, near West Yellowstone. The man, later identified as Marks allegedly shot at the group multiple times before leaving the scene in a silver Toyota Tundra with Texas registration. Marks also reportedly stole a cell phone before leaving the scene.
The victims told a detective that they were sitting on the edge of the bay, burying their feet in the sand and wading in the water. Marks’ vehicle was backed up to the water and they assumed the owner was inside the vehicle.
After about 10-20 minutes, Marks approached the group and told them they needed to leave because they were making too much noise. An argument ensued and Marks allegedly returned to his vehicle and retrieved a silver-colored semi-automatic pistol. He reportedly told the group to keep talking and started firing rounds into the sand around their feet. The victims ran to their vehicles, located a short distance away.
One woman reported she got into her vehicle and grabbed her cell phone and attempted to call 911. Marks reportedly opened her door and pulled her out of the vehicle, which then rolled backward before hitting another vehicle with the other victims inside.
When investigators searched the location where the incident took place, they located 3 Hornady .40 cal S&W shell casings and one spent slug.
A search for Marks with assistance from various agencies proved unsuccessful, but on Sunday, a tip from an acquaintance of Marks identified the suspect.
