According to a Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office incident report, On March 19th, 2023, at 6:00 PM, Whitfield County 911 Center advised that there was a caller reporting that there was a white Nissan Rogue displaying an Ohio tag traveling southbound on I-75 driving all over the roadway and almost causing crashes with other vehicles. Lt. Gibson responded to the 336 exits but was unable to catch up to the vehicle until the area of mile marker 327. Lt. Gibson observed the vehicle changing lanes without signaling and failing to maintain the lane. Lt. Gibson also observed the Nissan Rogue almost sideswiping another vehicle. Lt. Gibson observed that the Nissan Rogue was now traveling at speeds of 103 MPH. Lt. Gibson initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and made contact with the driver Sadi Eliseo Quilen-Diaz, 34, of Ohio. According to the report, “While attempting to speak with the occupants of the vehicle, Lt. Gibson could detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from the vehicle. Sadi Gelluen appeared to be nervous because Lt. Gibson could see Mr. Gelluen’s eyes appeared to be bloodshot and watery. While Lt. Gibson spoke with the passenger, later identified as Mr. Melbin Rodolfo Mata Cruz, 36, of Ohio, Lt. Gibson could detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from him as he spoke. Lt. Gibson asked if either of them had been consuming an alcoholic beverage, and Mr. Mata Cruz stated they had not. Lt. Gibson asked Mr. Gelluen the same question, and he stated that he had not been drinking. Lt. Gibson had a difficult time communicating with the two individuals, so he requested Deputy Corona be en route in order to translate.” During field sobriety testing, Gelluen showed several signs of impairment and then refused a PBT stating he had not been drinking. Gelluen was then placed under arrest for DUI. The passenger Mata Cruz stated he had only had an identification card from his home country and did not have a valid driver’s license. During a search of a vehicle, deputies located an 8oz Modelo beer can that was still cool, and it still had a measurable amount of beer inside, sitting upright in the passenger-side floorboard. Lt. Gibson also located a plastic bag with several open cans as well as some cans that were still sealed. There was also a measurable amount of liquid inside the plastic bag. Mata Cruz stated they both had consumed approximately 3-4 beers. According to the report, “Due to Mr. Mata Cruz not having any valid identification, Lt. Gibson was unable to issue him an appearance ticket for the open container of alcohol. Mr. Mata Cruz was placed under arrest in order to post a cash bond for the charge.” Both Mata Cruz and Gelluen was transported to the Whitfield County Jail. Gelluen was charged with DUI, reckless driving, driving without a valid license, open container violation, following too closely, speeding, and improper lane change.
Unlicensed Ohio men arrested after 100 mph DUI traffic stop on I-75 in Whitfield County
