According to a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office incident report, On Thursday, November 17th, 2022, at 10:57 PM, Corporal Fielding was in the area of Commerce Street near the intersection of Kelly Street when he observed a Ford F-150 traveling southbound at a high rate of speed at 57 MPH in a 35 MPH zone. Cpl. Fielding performed a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with the driver, later identified as James Hewitt, 19, of Trion. Corporal Fielding reported, “While speaking to Mr. Hewitt, [I] advised him the reason for the stop was for his excess speed, [I] then asked Mr. Hewitt for his driver’s license and proof of insurance, at which point he provided both. While speaking to Mr. Hewitt, [I] also observed that his eyes were bloodshot and watery, and his speech was also slurred. While speaking, Mr. Hewitt also had the odor of an alcoholic beverage upon his breath. Once [I] obtained Mr. Hewitt’s drivers license [I] then stepped back to my patrol vehicle and requested assistance from the City of Summerville Police Department, both officer’s Sainthill and Bates later arrived on the scene for assistance.” The deputy asked him if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages, and he first advised no, but he then advised he had consumed three beers. Hewitt refused a PBT test. During Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Hewitt showed several signs of impairment. Hewitt was then placed in custody for DUI. Corporal Fielding reported, “[I] then read him the Georgia Implied Consent Notice (DDS-354) for DUI suspects under the age of 21, at which point he began cursing and refused.” Hewitt was then transported to the Chattooga County Jail, charged with DUI under 21, speeding, and seatbelt violation.
Trion teen arrested for DUI after being stopped for speeding in Summerville
