A Fourth of July weekend altercation at a Lava Hot Springs resort ended with serious injuries, a gun being brandished in a crowd, and four teeth recovered from the pavement — leaving two young men facing felony charges in Bannock County.
Brian Wayne Halford, 20, and Cletus Nathaniel Clay, 18, were arrested following a violent brawl on the evening of July 3 at the Lava Hillside Suites, a popular resort destination in the small Bannock County community of Lava Hot Springs.
What Witnesses and Video Evidence Revealed
The Bannock County Sheriff’s Office responded after receiving a report of someone being jumped in the parking lot. Deputies arrived to find a male victim already in the care of emergency medical personnel. Investigators quickly gathered witness accounts and surveillance footage that painted a detailed picture of what took place.
According to investigators, the confrontation began after Halford, Clay, and a woman traveling with them were denied entry to the resort’s Rooftop Bar for being underage. Witnesses told deputies that a verbal exchange over a one-on-one fight preceded the violence, and that the victim was struck without warning — described as being “cheap shotted” — during that conversation.
Video footage reviewed by investigators showed Halford pinning the victim to the ground and striking him repeatedly with both fists and an elbow. The situation escalated further when the crowd began to intervene and Halford himself was kicked in the face and hit by bystanders.
Amid the chaos, Clay retrieved a gold Glock pistol from a white Dodge truck parked nearby and reportedly waved it in the air in front of the crowd. Four teeth were later found, photographed, and turned over to the victim’s family.
Suspects Tracked Down Miles From the Scene
Both suspects had left the scene in the white Dodge truck before deputies arrived. Investigators used Flock camera technology — automated license plate readers deployed along roadways — to track the vehicle heading toward U.S. Highway 30.
The truck was eventually stopped in McCammon, roughly 25 miles north of Lava Hot Springs. Halford and the woman were inside; Clay was not. A search of the vehicle turned up two firearms, including the gold Glock that witnesses had seen Clay brandish. Halford was treated at a hospital for a bloody lip and elbow injury before being taken to jail. The woman, who was not charged, was released after speaking with investigators. She told a deputy that the victim had made unwanted advances toward her, which she said preceded the confrontation.
Clay was located separately at a gas station in Malad City, about 45 miles south of Pocatello. He told deputies that the victim struck him first and that six other people then jumped him. Clay said he was kicked in the head and had no memory of events after that point, including any recollection of picking up a firearm. He was taken to a hospital for medical clearance before being transported to the Bannock County Jail.
Charges and Potential Penalties
Halford was charged with one felony count of aggravated battery. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. Clay was charged with one felony count of aggravated assault for allegedly brandishing the firearm. A conviction on that charge carries a maximum of five years in prison.
Both men are scheduled to appear before Magistrate Judge Eric Hunn for a preliminary hearing on July 14 at 10:30 p.m.
What Comes Next
The July 14 preliminary hearing will determine whether sufficient probable cause exists to bind the case over for district court proceedings. Prosecutors will present evidence and testimony before Judge Hunn to establish the basis for the felony charges against both men. Neither suspect has yet entered a formal plea. The unnamed woman who was present during the incident has not been charged.
Lava Hot Springs draws large crowds during summer weekends, and the Bannock County Sheriff’s Office continues to patrol the area as peak tourist season continues. Residents and visitors are reminded that firearms charges carry serious consequences under Idaho law, regardless of whether the weapon is discharged.
For additional Bannock County public safety coverage, visit Bannock County News, and follow statewide news at Idaho News.