According to a Dalton Police Department incident report, On December 27th, 2022, at approximately 3:56 PM, Officer Hammontree responded to the area of Glenwood Avenue and East Morris Street in response to a BOLO for a green pickup truck. The caller advised the driver of the truck, Lawrence E. McFalls Jr., 57, 1833 Houston Valley Road, Ringgold, was intoxicated and traveling west on East Morris Street from Walnut Ave. In addition, dispatch advised that McFalls had an active warrant for aggravated assault. Officer Hammontree then observed McFalls and the green GMC Sierra truck pass him on East Morris Street. Officer Hammontree attempted a traffic stop, but McFalls failed to stop the vehicle and yield to the officer. Officer Allen joined behind with Officer Hammontree, who observed McFalls driving all over the roadway failing to maintain his lane of travel. McFalls then turned north onto Thornton Avenue. McFalls then turned west onto Waugh Street and entered the inside lane. He then changed lanes to the outside without signaling. At the Jones Street intersection, a Whitfield County deputy took over the pursuit for Dalton PD. Deputies were able to block McFalls lane of travel, keeping him from fleeing further. Officer Hammontree reported, “At this time, [I] quickly exited my patrol vehicle and began approaching the driver-side door. At the same time, McFalls began backing his vehicle and struck my patrol vehicle in the front bumper. McFalls was then assisted out of the vehicle and taken into custody. While arresting McFalls, officers could smell the strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath. McFalls was transported to the Whitfield County Jail, where he refused to provide a breath sample. Officers located several open containers in the vehicle. McFalls was charged with aggravated assault (weapon), DUI, open container violation, obstructing an emergency call, misdemeanor willful obstruction of law officers, running a red light x6, following too closely x2, failure to maintain lane x2, improper lane change or usage x2, driving with a suspended or revoked license, felony fleeing/attempting to elude a police officer, improper backing and driving without insurance. According to court records, in 2021, McFalls was sentenced to 24-months of confinement by Superior Court Judge Scott Minter following his 11th conviction for driving under the influence of alcohol. His license was suspended for a prior DUI in 2018. McFalls also had DUI’s in 2014, 2007, 2004, 1999 (2), 1996, 1988, 1986, and 1984 mostly in Whitfield and Murray Counties but also two in Gordon County. He had prior suspended license convictions in 2018, 2007, 2004, 1999, and 1996.
Wanted felon arrested for 12th DUI after 911 call from concerned citizen and pursuit in Dalton
