Get notified by email when this case is updated.
Name:
Arellano Balza, Rodrigo A
Date of Booking:
05/17/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Furnishing, Purchasing of Alcoholic Beverages by Persons Below Legal Age
Improper Lane Change/Failure to Maintain Lane
Speeding
Reckless Driving
DUI-Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol (less safe)
Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the official initial incident report. The Georgia Gazette does not fix any spelling or grammatical errors that may exist. Any changes or redactions made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist. All subjects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The topics discussed may be sensitive to some readers. Discretion is advised.]
On May 17, 2026 at approximately 0201 hours, I was on routine patrol in Winder. On University Pkwy and Harrison Mill Rd, I observed a black 2009 Toyota Corolla with GA tag# [REDACTED] speeding after approaching on University Pkwy at Harry McCarty Rd, my radar showed the vehicle reaching a top speed of 92 mph in a 65-mph zone.
I turned around to catch up to the vehicle. While behind the vehicle I saw that it was weaving in the right lane and then crossed the center line. I pulled in behind the Toyota and activated my emergency blue lights and siren, signaling the driver to stop. The vehicle came to a final stop after entering the turn lane on Harrison Mill Rd but then crossing over both lanes of Harrison Mill Rd and stopping on the right shoulder of University Pkwy.
Upon initial contact with the driver, Rodrigo Arellano Blaza, I could smell a moderate odor commonly associated with an alcoholic beverage coming from within the vehicle. I found that Rodrigo did not speak English and in Spanish I asked for his license. I then asked Rodrigo to exit the vehicle. I could smell a strong odor commonly associated with an alcoholic beverage coming from his person. I asked him if I could observe his eyes and he said yes. Rodrigo stated he had not consumed any alcoholic beverages. When I ran his information, I observed that Rodrigo was only 19 years old.
Each exercise was explained and appropriately demonstrated prior to having Rodrigo perform. Rodrigo also provided an affirmative response stating that he understood my instructions.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (explained and observed);
I told Rodrigo to stand with his feet together and hands at his sides. I asked Rodrigo to look forward and not move his head. I told Rodrigo to follow my stimulus with his eyes only. I asked Rodrigo if he understood, and he stated that he did.
Rodrigo’s eyes displayed equal tracking and equal pupil size. I then checked for lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and onset of nystagmus prior to forty-five degrees in both eyes.
Rodrigo displayed the following 4 clue(s) during the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus exercise:
- Lack of smooth pursuit – Left eye then right eye
- Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation – Left eye then right eye
- No vertical nystagmus observed
I then utilized the Portable Breath Test and had a positive result. (0.053)
While I trying to have him blow into my PBT, Rodrigo would fake blow into the tube and had to tell him multiple times that he had to blow into the machine. Based on my observations, the traffic violations and the general demeanor of Rodrigo led me to conclude that Rodrigo was operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Rodrigo was informed he was being placed under arrest. Rodrigo Arellano Blaza was handcuffed behind the back. The handcuffs were double locked and checked for fit. A search of him person was conducted incident to arrest. No weapons or contraband or means of escape were located. Rodrigo was secured in the rear seat with a seat belt.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted and nothing was found. Rodrigo’s passenger, [REDACTED], did not speak English. He informed me that he did not have a license and I told him that he was going to be escorted to the Waffle House. Deputy Chatham provided [REDACTED] with a ride. All County Towing took possession of the black 2009 Toyota Corolla with GA tag# [REDACTED]. Rodrigo was escorted to the detention center and release to jail staff without incident.
A search of my rear seat was conducted before and after transport. No items were found.
My probable cause of arrest for the charges below is when Rodrigo Arellano Balza was the driver of a black 2009 Toyota Corolla with GA tag# [REDACTED], observed performing a reckless and less safe act by traveling 92 mph in 65 mph limit and failing to maintain lane. Further investigation resulted in Rodrigo being 19 years old and having a positive result on a portable breath test.
[End of Narrative]