Road at Hidden Creek Lane running radar when he observed a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado coming from Cloud Springs at a very high rate of speed and appeared to be in the middle of the roadway. CPL Thomas confirmed the Chevy to be traveling at 96 mph in a 35 mph zone. The driver, later identified as Darren Wayne Armitage, 57, of Ringgold, turned onto Daily Hill Road and came to a stop. According to the report, “As CPL Thomas was approaching the vehicle, Armitage opened the door and stepped out and stated, “I’ve been drinking”. CPL Thomas asked him “you’ve been drinking?” and he said yes. CPL Thomas asked him how much he’d had to drink and he said, “more than I should”. Armitage said he was going, to be honest. CPL Thomas saw Armitage had an unopened Coors Light bottle in the cup holder inside his truck and pointed it out. CPL Thomas told Armitage he was traveling nearly 100 mph, and he said, “I know” and then nodded his head. CPL Thomas asked Armitage if he’d had too much to drink, and he said yes. Armitage stated that he was guilty. CPL Thomas asked him if he was guilty of DUI, and he nodded his head.” CPL Thomas could smell the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Armitage’s breath. Armitage’s eyes were red, watery, appeared sleepy, and his speech was very slowed and slurred. Armitage was also having trouble standing on his own. The deputy asked Armitage if he would do some field sobriety tests, but he said no that he was guilty. Armitage was placed under arrest and refused the state test by stating, “I’m gonna remain silent”. Armitage was transported to the Catoosa County Jail and charged with speeding, reckless driving, and DUI.
Ringgold man arrested for DUI after driving reckless at 96 mph on Dietz Road in Catoosa County
