Man charged with DUI with kids in the car

A Danielsville man was arrested on multiple charges last week after someone reported an intoxicated man driving off from an Ila store with four children in his car.

The man was charged with DUI/drugs, weaving over the roadway, four counts of endangering a child by DUI/drugs, two counts of child or youth restraint not used properly and two counts of safety belt violation for 18 years and older.

On July 8, deputy Brandon Hanley was dispatched to the Royal Food Store in Ila regarding an intoxicated person. Prior to his arrival, he was advised that the man had left the store traveling South on Hwy. 106 in a 2014 Kia Rio with four children in the car. Hanley caught up to it as it was turning onto West Old Ila Road.

Hanley said the vehicle continuously crossed over the yellow divider line and then across its own lane of travel, all while traveling at a high rate of speed.

The officer initiated a traffic stop as the Rio neared the intersection of Nowhere Road and the man almost ran into the ditch as he pulled over.

None of the four children in the car were restrained, according to the report. As Hanley approached the driver’s side door, the man reportedly refused to look at him or acknowledge his presence.

When Hanley went to open the door, the driver accelerated, causing Hanley to have to jump out of the way to avoid being hit.

The car then stopped again after approximately 60 to 75 feet.

At this point, Hanley opened the driver’s door and reached across Evans to put the vehicle in park, ordering him out of the car.

The man could barely stand and had to be helped out. The children were crying and screaming.

The man was identified and questioned and denied drinking or taking drugs, but failed a field sobriety test. Hanley noted that his speech was slurred. The man told Hanley he had multiple back surgeries.

The children were released to the man’s girlfriend and he was taken to jail.