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Name:
Stovall, Zion Lee
Date of Booking:
06/25/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
DUI-Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
Following Too Closely
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 6/25/26 While on patrol of Pleasant Hill Church Road I deputy Antwune McCurry Observed the listed 2007 Black in Color Chevrolet Tahoe following a vehicle too closely to the extent that it was prudent and unreasonable (Less than 3 Seconds) traveling in the opposite direction as my patrol unit.
I turned my patrol unit around at a safe location and positioned it behind the vehicle and activated my emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle for the violation. Upon exiting my patrol vehicle using a driver’s side approach I contacted the male driver. I briefly explained to him the reason for the traffic stops with him immediately admitting guilt stating that he was in a hurry to pick up a friend and the vehicle was traveling too slowly. As the conversation ensued, he later provided me with a Georgia License identifying him to be Zion Lee Stovall. During this encounter I observed him to have low, raspy speech, and appeared to be very drowsy, and relaxed.
I then asked Zion if he would accompany me outside the vehicle to the rear. Which he agreed. As he begins to exit, I observed him exiting in a sluggish manner, being very uncoordinated with a drowsy facial tone. I asked him about any medical issues or narcotic usage due to him displaying drunken like behaviors. He declined, both stating he had no issues, but was being extremely talkative, observing him to display signs of cotton mouth.
I asked Zion if he would perform a field sobriety test to see if a motor vehicle could safely operate. He agreed to the test. The first field sobriety testing I had [ZION] complete was the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. First, I checked for equal pupil size and equal tracking in both eyes which I observed. Next, I checked for Lack of smooth pursuit, Distinct & Sustained Nystagmus at maximum deviation, and onset of Nystagmus prior to 45 Degrees which wasn’t present. However, I observed him to display eyelid tremors, with dilated pupils. No resting nystagmus was observed.
The next Field Sobriety test I completed was Walk and Turn (WAT). During this testing he was observed: 1) Cannot balance during instructions.2) Starts too soon.3) Stops while walking.4) Misses heel-to-toe.5) Steps of the line.6) Uses arm to balance.7) Improper turn.8) Incorrect number of steps.
I then had Zion complete the One Leg Stand (OLS). During this field sobriety test he was observed: 1) Swaying. 2) Uses arms for balance.3) Lastly, I had him complete the Modified Romberg. During this field sobriety testing he had an internal clock of an estimated 35 seconds, observing him to display fast paced eyelid tremors and swaying in a circular motion as he appeared to be on the nod.
Based on my training experience, driving observation, initial contact, roadside encounter, and field sobriety testing lead me to believe Zion to be impaired to be operating a motor vehicle.
I placed him under arrest. He was cuffed to the rear. Cuffs were then double locked and fitted for tightness. I read to him from the Georgia Implied Consent notice for suspects 21 years older requesting a blood sample. He immediately declined, refusing the state administered testing. While reading implied consent he was observed displaying relaxed inhibitions, with his eyes closed and taking several deep sharp breaths.
He was then secured in the rear of my patrol vehicle. A friend arrived on scene who was identified to be [REDACTED] and took possession of the vehicle.
I transported Zion to the Barrow County Detention Center. Upon arrival he served with a Dps 1205 form, and cited for the traffic offenses: 1) Following too closely 40-6-49.2) Dui-drugs less safe 40-6-391 (a) (2) Offender was then released to detention staff for processing.
[End of Narrative]
All information is sourced directly from the official, public court database. Case history is organized and curated by The Georgia Gazette staff. The “What this means:” explanations are written by AI and reviewed by our staff before publishing.
Court records are subject to change at the court’s discretion. The Georgia Gazette is not responsible for errors or omissions. Nothing here is legal advice. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Case History:
6/26/26
PROPERTY BOND POSTED
What this means: On June 26, 2026, one day after his booking on June 25, 2026, Zion Lee Stovall posted a property bond in Barrow County State Court Case No. 26-ST-00796. A property bond allows a defendant to be released from custody by pledging real property (such as a house or land) as security instead of paying cash. The bond ensures Stovall’s appearance at future court proceedings. If he fails to appear, the property pledged could be forfeited to the court.
8/11/26
ACCUSATION FILED — 2 COUNTS CHARGED AGAINST ZION LEE STOVALL
What this means: The Barrow County Solicitor-General’s Office formally filed charges against Zion Lee Stovall in the State Court of Barrow County under Case No. 26-ST-00796. An accusation is the formal document used in State Court to bring misdemeanor-level charges without going through a grand jury. The filing was signed by Kristen L. Murphy, Chief Assistant Solicitor General, and stamped by Clerk Janie Jones.
Count 1 accuses Zion Lee Stovall of Driving Under the Influence (Less Safe) — Drugs, under O.C.G.A. 40-6-391(A)(2). This charge alleges that on or about June 25, 2026, Stovall was in actual physical control of a moving vehicle while under the influence of a drug to the extent that it was less safe for him to drive.
Count 2 accuses Zion Lee Stovall of Following Too Closely, under O.C.G.A. 40-6-49. This charge alleges that on or about June 25, 2026, while driving on Pleasant Hill Church Road in Barrow County, Stovall followed another vehicle more closely than was reasonable and prudent, without due regard for the speed of traffic and the condition of the highway.
8/14/26
ARRAIGNMENT HEARING SCHEDULED FOR 10/23/26
What this means: On August 14, 2026, Zion Lee Stovall received a Notice to Appear requiring him to be present at an arraignment hearing in Barrow County State Court on October 23, 2026, at 8:30 AM. An arraignment is the defendant’s first appearance before a judge where he will be informed of the charges against him, advised of his rights, and given the opportunity to enter a plea. The notice serves as formal notification that his attendance is required.
9/1/26
AMENDED ACCUSATION FILED — 2 COUNTS AGAINST ZION LEE STOVALL
What this means: On September 1, 2026, the State filed an Amended Accusation in the State Court of Barrow County, replacing the original accusation filed on August 11, 2026. The amended filing was signed by Kristen L. Murphy, Chief Assistant Solicitor General, and stamped into the record at 11:28 AM by Clerk Janie Jones under Case No. 26-ST-00796.
The charges themselves remain the same: Count 1 accuses Zion Lee Stovall of Driving Under the Influence (Less Safe) — Drugs under O.C.G.A. 40-6-391(A)(2), and Count 2 accuses him of Following Too Closely under O.C.G.A. 40-6-49, both allegedly occurring on or about June 25, 2026. Amendments to accusations are common and can reflect corrections to language, witness lists, or other details in the original filing. Zion Lee Stovall is presumed innocent of all charges.