Tennessee man fights with deputies during DUI traffic stop on I-75 in Whitfield County

According to a Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office incident report, On April 25th, 2023, at 3:55 AM, Dispatch gave a BOLO for a vehicle driving recklessly on I-75 SB. The caller believed the driver to be under the influence due to his inability to maintain the lane. Deputy Broling located the vehicle traveling south on I-75 failing to maintain lane by weaving through all three lanes of travel. The BOLO vehicle was driving recklessly and almost caused a vehicle crash. Deputy Broling initiated a traffic stop and made contact with the driver, identified as Ethan Blake Turner, 28, of Hixson, Tennessee. Deputy Broling could smell an odor of alcohol and marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. During field sobriety testing, Turner showed several signs of impairment. According to the report, “At this point, Deputy Broling placed Mr. Turner in custody, and he was handcuffed behind his back. The handcuffs were double-locked, and the proper fit was ensured. Deputy Broling then took out his Georgia implied consent card and read it to Mr. Turner. Mr. Turner refused implied consent for blood and breath. Once at the back of Deputy Broling’s patrol car, Mr. Turner became passively resistant by not getting in the patrol car. Mr. Turner then turned towards Deputy Broling, Deputy Singleton, and Deputy Deaver and tried to walk away from the patrol car. Deputy Broling and Singleton then grabbed Mr. Turner to gain control of him. Due to Mr. Turner’s stature, it was difficult to gain control of him. Mr. Turner attempted to break free of Deputy Broling and Singleton’s grip. During the struggle, Mr. Turner was taken to the ground, and his chin was cut open from hitting the ground. Due to the close proximity of interstate traffic and Mr. Turner being intoxicated, it was imperative that Mr. Turner was subdued to prevent him from running out into traffic. Mr. Turner was then placed in the back of Deputy Broling’s patrol car. Deputy Singleton and Deputy Deaver stated they also smelled the odor of alcohol and marijuana coming off Mr. Turner’s person. Lt. Stephens was also on the scene. Deputy Broling then applied for a search warrant of Mr. Turner’s blood due to him refusing implied consent.” Turner was booked into the Whitfield County Jail, charged with DUI, failing to maintain lane, and obstruction.