SAFFORD – While investigating a traffic accident that occurred on Monday, June 17, 2019, at approximately 11:45 PM, a Safford officer noticed that one of the vehicles smelled of alcohol.
The two-vehicle accident occurred in the 2600 block of 20th Avenue and involved an older Jeep and a dark colored sedan. The driver of the sedan apparently suffered injuries, although there was available information on how serious the injuries were. While completing tow sheets, an officer on the scene noticed an alcohol smell coming from the Jeep and approached the driver, who was reportedly not at fault for the accident.
The officer asked the driver if he had been drinking. The man said that he had a few beers in a toolbox that were leftover from Saturday, but said that he not consumed any alcohol on the day of the accident. The officer noticed a faint odor of alcohol on the man’s breath. The man had chewing tobacco on his mouth, which masked the alcohol odor a little. The officer asked the man if he would submit to some field sobriety tests. According to the police report, the officer observed a total of 4 out of 6 impairment cues. When he told the driver of his findings the man again said that he had consumed alcohol the day prior but did not wish to comment about his consumption the day of the accident. He also refused to do any other tests.
While questioning the driver, it was discovered that he was only 20 years old. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI and was transported to Emergency Room where he voluntarily submitted to a blood draw.
After the paperwork had been completed the man was transported to his residence and released. Charges are pending the results of the blood draw.
