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Written by: E. George
Published December 21, 2023 @ 10:45 AM ET
BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. – On Wednesday, December 6, 2023, just after 8:00 PM, a Georgia State Patrol officer patrolling GA 20 at Rowland Springs Road observed a driver “holding a cell phone in their right hand and looking down at it.” After performing a traffic stop, the officer arrested 51-year-old Greggory Dewitt Hedden, an assistant principal at Cass Middle School in Bartow County, for driving under the influence.
Hedden told the officer he “just got done reffing (refereeing) [children’s] basketball at Lake Point” sports complex. The officer noted Hedden’s “bloodshot, watery eyes, slurred speech, a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath, and a pint of open Fireball Whiskey in the cup holder.” The officer also noted Hedden was crying and talkative during the stop.
As Hedden handed over his driver’s license, he “attempted to cover up the Fireball Whiskey with his wallet.” When the officer asked him how much he had to drink and the time of his last drink, he responded, “Just that, around 4:30 PM.”
The officer asked him for a breath sample and instructed him to step out of the vehicle. While the officer located the portable breathalyzer test, Hedden snuck chewing tobacco into his mouth.
After following the officer’s instructions to spit out the dip, Hedden provided a breath sample that tested positive for alcohol. He then consented to a field sobriety test, where he “displayed multiple signs of impairment.”
Following his arrest, Hedden asked the officer if his “wife could just come pick him up.” He agreed to a blood draw and was transported to Cartersville Medical Center before being taken to the Bartow County Jail.
Hedden’s red Jeep Gladiator was released to his wife. He was charged with DUI, possession of an open container of alcohol in his vehicle, and holding/supporting a cell phone while driving.
According to sources, Hedden has not been placed on leave or received any disciplinary action from the school district at this time. This case is currently pending in court.
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