According to a Dalton Police Department incident report, On January 14th, 2023, at 2:59 AM, Officer Miller was sitting stationary on Market Street and West Walnut Avenue when he observed a 2013 Hyundai Sonata pass without any taillights illuminated. Officer Miller attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle turned onto South Tibbs Road and then made a right turn onto Emery Street. Officer Miller reported, “When the vehicle reached the Georgian Place Apartments, it put on its right turn signal. At that time, [I] activated my blue emergency lights expecting the vehicle to stop just off the roadway in the apartment complex parking lot. The vehicle continued to slow roll through the parking lot for about 200 yards before finally attempting to pull into a parking spot. [I] noticed the driver failed to park the vehicle in one parking spot by straddling the line and taking up two parking spots. Once parked, the driver, later identified as Jean-Carlos Suazo, 32, of Dalton, immediately exited the vehicle closing the driver’s side door behind him. [I] asked Jean to sit back in the vehicle, and he refused, stating, “I’m here. I’m at the house”. [I] asked Jean why he didn’t stop when [I] turned my lights on, and Jean stated, ‘I’ve been here at the house, sir”. Jean would only ask why and state that he was home now.” Officer Miller noticed that Jean was unsteady on his feet and noticed his eyes were bloodshot and glossy. The officer could also smell the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. When the officer asked Jean if he had had anything to drink and if he would perform some test to determine his ability to safely drive a motor vehicle, he replied, “Why? I’m already at my house.” Officer Miller advised he had been behind since Walnut Avenue and he replied, “Why didn’t you stop me over there? You should have stopped me over there it’s too late now I’m home and safe.” At that point, based on his training and experience, Officer Miller had probable cause to believe Jean was driving under the influence. Jean was then placed under arrest for DUI. As Officer Miller read Jean implied consent, Jean started screaming and cussing, throwing a tantrum. Jean wouldn’t let the officer finish reading implied consent, nor would he consent to the test. During a search of the vehicle, the officer located marijuana and a digital scale. Jean was transported to the Whitfield County Jail, where he was charged with DUI less safe and taillight none or burned out. Jean blew positive for alcohol for the jail staff on a portable breath test.
Dalton man screams and cusses out officer while being arrested for DUI
