The driver of what the state patrol described as “large, box-type truck” was arrested last week on I-985 on DUI and several other charges.
The arrest was made, the state patrol said in a report released Sunday, by a Motor Carrier Compliance Division (MCCD) officer who noticed that the driver was using his cell phone and not wearing his seatbelt. The truck was stopped near H.F. Reed Industrial Parkway.
STATE PATROL NARRATIVE:
“…Upon approaching the passenger side of the commercial motor vehicle, the MCCD Officer noticed a strong odor of burnt marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. During further investigation, both the driver and passenger admitted to smoking marijuana before operating the vehicle.
The Officer proceeded to conduct a probable cause search of the vehicle and discovered a bottle of an alcoholic beverage. With the driver’s consent, he conducted standardized field sobriety tests (SFSTs), during which the driver exhibited significant signs of impairment.
Shortly thereafter, both the driver and passenger were placed under arrest on several charges.”
According to a Hall County Jail report, Omar Shariff Williams, 55, was charged with using his cell phone while driving, a commercial vehicle violation, and having an open container of alcoholic beverage in the truck, in addition to DUI.
Friday morning, he was still being held on bonds totaling $6,050 but was not listed on the jail’s inmate roster Sunday morning. The arrest was made Thursday afternoon.