Crime and Courts

Man accused of stealing cars, robbing casinos in Great Falls appears in court

Posted: Mar 5, 2013 8:26 AM by Tara Grimes- MTN News

GREAT FALLS - A man who led police on a car chase on Friday is behind bars on a $500,000 bond and made his initial appearance in court on Monday.

Thomas Scott Anderson faces 13 felony charges and is accused of stealing four cars and robbing three casinos last week. Anderson is charged with two counts of robbery, attempted robbery, two counts of criminal endangerment, four counts of criminal mischief and four counts of theft.

Anderson's initial court appearance on Monday started off with his public defender claiming that Anderson could have a mental illness.

Throughout the hearing, Anderson seemed somewhat dazed and said he had a hard time understand anything because his head was numb.

Anderson allegedly stole a truck and then robbed the Cartwheel Bar & Casino on Thursday.

The next day, police say, he robbed the Palace Casino on 10th Avenue South.

When an officer identified the stolen truck later, Anderson led officers on a chase south of Great Falls. That's where he crashed, ran away and reportedly stole another vehicle. Before making it back into town, he crashed that vehicle into a garage on 13th Street South.
Eventually, he made it back into town, then reportedly stole another vehicle and then reportedly robbed the Fat Tuesday's casino where he shot at an employee.

Police found Anderson at the Mountain View apartment complex near Great Falls College-MSU where gunfire was exchanged.

Once again, Anderson sped off and eventually crashed the stolen car into concrete barriers at Chowen Springs Park, where he was then arrested.

Officers say, during the arrest, he appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

During his court appearance on Monday, Anderson claimed he is scared of jail.

The public defender did mention that Anderson will see nurses at the jail.