Helena man accused of $7K in damage to Capitol Complex, DUI

A 36-year-old Helena man faces three felony counts after driving a vehicle on the state Capitol complex over the weekend and causing nearly $7,000 in damage at the Flag Plaza, officials said.

Christopher James Yarns was arrested about 10 a.m. Saturday after Helena police received a call of someone driving erratically on the Capitol complex at Sixth and Montana avenues.

Helena police Sgt. Adam Shanks said officers found the vehicle and performed a traffic stop near Poplar and Sanders streets.

A vehicle is seen Saturday on the Flag Plaza steps at the state Capitol.

State of Montana

Yarns has been charged with a felony count of driving under the influence (fifth offense), a felony count of criminal endangerment and a felony count of desecration of a capitol, place of worship, cemetery or public memorial. Charges were filed July 31 by the Lewis and Clark County Attorney in Helena Justice Court.

According to the affidavit from Helena police, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of East 6th Avenue to reports of a white Dodge Dakota on the state Capitol grounds.

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