According to a Georgia State Patrol incident report, On April 30th, 2023, at 3:27 PM, Trooper E. Shackleford was traveling south on I-75 southbound near mile marker 342 when she observed a 2012 BMW speeding at 85 mph behind her. As the vehicle proceeded past, the trooper initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver was identified as Justin Ray Lecroy, 35, of Chatsworth. Trooper Shackleford reported, “[I] returned to my patrol vehicle. GCIC and NCIC results showed that Mr. Lecroy had a warrant for failure to appear on a DUI charge out of Whitfield County. While speaking to Mr. Lecroy about the warrant, [I] observed that his speech was slightly slurred. [I] explained to Mr. Lecroy that, at this time, he was being detained. While sitting in the patrol vehicle, [I] noticed a strong smell of an alcoholic beverage emitting from Mr. Lecory’s breath as he spoke. [I] asked Mr. Lecroy if he had insurance on his vehicle. He advised he did and pointed out a number saved under “ABC” on his phone and allowed me to call that number. The number was not for an insurance company, and it was for some type of hotel. Mr. Lecroy advised that his insurance was through Geico. [I] contacted Geico Insurance company, who advised that the vehicle was no longer insured. While waiting for a response on the warrant, [I] observed that Mr. Lecroy continued to seem confused, and some of his sentences would not make sense. [I] allowed Mr. Lecroy to contact a family member to inform them of the situation. While he was speaking to his family member, [I] observed that his speech was again slurred, mumbled, and hard to understand. Trooper Whitfield assisted with the traffic stop and located some beer cans inside the vehicle. Trooper Whitfield opened the front driver-side door. At that time, a half-full 16oz Bud Light beer can was found in the driver compartment floorboard. The beverage was cold to the touch. Lecroy advised he had not been consuming the beer while driving. Lecroy then became argumentative about his warrant stating, “I’ve been going to Marion County Court (Tennessee)”, although his warrant was through Whitfield County, Georgia. Trooper Shackleford reported, “While en route to the jail, Mr. Lecroy was becoming increasingly agitated and belligerent, stating that this incident was a false arrest. Mr. Lecroy’s next sentence was unable to be understood but ended with, “you can talk to my lawyer”. During the course of the ride to the jail, Mr. Lecroy remained argumentative and made statements that he felt he couldn’t do the field sobriety tests due to the fact he had already been Mirandized. [I] informed Mr. Lecroy he could still perform the field sobriety tests once we got to the jail if he would like. Mr. Lecroy again refused. Once at the jail, Mr. Lecroy was read the implied consent notice for suspects 21 and over. Mr. Lecroy was requested to submit to the state-administered chemical test of his blood. Mr. Lecroy responded with, “I have the right to remain silent. You read me my rights”.” A search warrant was obtained for Lecroy’s blood. While making the search warrant, Lecroy’s driver history was obtained, which showed that he had prior DUI convictions and multiple Implied Consent Refusal’s. After Lecroy read the search warrant, he once again became argumentative and inquisitive about the charges. Trooper Shackleford advised she would not be answering his questions and that he should exercise his right to remain silent again. Lecroy was charged with DUI, speeding, no insurance, and an open container.
Chatsworth man arrested for DUI again after speeding on I-75 in Catoosa County
