According to a Dalton Police Department incident report, On February 11th, 2023, at 12:50 AM, Officer Ellenburg was stationary in the area of West Walnut Ave and Walnut Pl when he observed a red Dodge Ram traveling east at a slow rate of speed and making quick, jerking motions when entering into a curve. The officer then observed the truck roll through the stop sign on Hamilton Conn. The officer also observed the truck failing to maintain a single lane. Officer Ellenburg initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver Erikc Melendez, 31, of Dalton. Officer Ellenburg reported, “While conversing with Erikc, [I] could smell an odor of alcohol coming from his person/mouth area when he spoke. [I] also noticed during this time that Erikc’s speech was slow and slurred, and his eyes were red and glassy. At this time, [I] instructed Erikc to get out of the vehicle and asked him if he had anything to drink tonight, and he stated that he only had two beers at Applebees.” During field sobriety testing, Erikc showed several signs of impairment and was placed under arrest for DUI. Erikc agreed to the state test and was transported to the Whitfield County Jail. At the jail, Erikc registered a .089 BrAC. Erikc was charged with DUI/alcohol 0.08 grams or more, 21 and over, failure to stop at stop/yield sign, and failure to maintain lane.
Dalton man arrested for DUI after driving slow all over the roadway and running stop sign
