According to a Dalton Police Department incident report, On April 1st, 2023, at 1:21 AM, Officer Cruz responded to the area in regard to a private property accident. Dispatch advised officers that one of the parties was possibly intoxicated. The caller immediately told Officer Cruz the male was currently walking east toward Fourth Ave. Officer Cruz was able to locate the male, later identified as Augusto Perez, 42, of Dalton. The victim stated she was standing outside when she observed a gray Toyota Sienna backing out of a parking spot and striking her vehicle, a gray Toyota Camry. She then stated she told the security guard about the accident, and the security guard went and made contact with Augusto. She then stated when Augusto went to park the vehicle again, he almost struck another vehicle that was also parked. Augusto denied ever being in the vehicle and stated he was not driving a vehicle. Multiple witnesses confirmed Augusto was driving. Officer Cruz reported, “While speaking with Augusto, [I] noticed his eyes were glassy, his speech was slightly slurred, and he was having a hard time keeping his balance while standing up. At this time, [I] asked Augusto if he had any alcoholic beverage to drink, and he responded yes. Augusto stated he drank four 32oz beers. Due to Augusto admitting to having four beers and being involved in a crash, [I] asked Augusto if he would be willing to do some field sobriety test to make sure he was ok to drive, and he responded yes.” Augusto showed several signs of impairment and a BAC of .169 on a PBT. Augusto was placed under arrest for DUI and booked into the Whitfield County Jail.
Dalton man arrested for DUI after backing into vehicle on parking lot
