Rinale Robertson

Name:
Robertson, Rinale Rayon

Date of Booking:
01/01/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Open Container Violation Beer/Ale/Porter/Stout/Other Similar Beverages

Hit and Run; Duty of Driver to Stop or Return to Scene of Accident

Hit and Run; Duty of Driver to Stop or Return to Scene of Accident

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 January 1st, 2025, at approximately 0450 hours, I responded to the area of 1-75 Northbound in Cartersville, GA 30121, in reference to a Tractor Trailer fleeing the scene of an accident at the TA Travel Center. I was advised that Officer B. Nesbitt with the Adairsville Police Department had located and stopped the fleeing tractor-trailer on 1-75 Northbound at approximately the 307 mile marker.

I arrived on scene and met with Officer Nesbitt. Officer Nesbitt stated when he asked the driver, who was later identified as Rinale Robertson, to step out of the vehicle, he reached toward the back of the tractor cab for an unknown reason. Officer Nesbitt advised that Rinale was possibly intoxicated. [WITNESS #1], who was also on scene, stated he observed Rinale hit 2 vehicles at the Pilot gas station and the TA Travel Center. [WITNESS #1] stated he followed the vehicle after he fled the scene. [WITNESS #1] stated he called 911 and gave his location, so officers were able to locate and stop the truck.

I then met with Rinale. I noticed an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Rinale’s person. I also noticed a liquid substance spilled on Rinale’s shirt and pants. Rinale stated he was at a truck stop and was going to sleep. Rinale stated he woke up and heard commotion outside his truck. Rinale stated he became scared and left the area. I asked Rinale if he remembered any wreck that had occurred, to which he again stated he heard a commotion. I asked Rinale again if he remembered there being any accident. Rinale then stated he remembers he was using the restroom when people came to him in a hostile way. Rinale stated he was scared and left.

I asked Rinale if he had anything to drink or smoke today, to which he stated he had not. I asked Rinale for his driver’s license. Rinale stated he did have his license and reached for his pocket. I asked Rinale if I could have his ID. It appeared Rinale was confused and began searching through his phone. I advised Rinale again about his ID, to which he stated it was on his phone. I observed Rinale’s eyes to both be bloodshot. I also noticed Rinale’s speech to be slow, along with an odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his breath.

I spoke with Deputy J. Gillie #932, who was on scene at the TA Travel Center. Deputy Gillie advised that there was damage on a SUV in the Pilot parking lot, and a cab of a tractor-trailer in the TA parking lot. Deputy Gillie advised that the victims attempted to stop the driver from driving away out of the parking lot. [VICTIM #1], who is the owner of the Toyota Sequoia that was struck, was able to provide the tag of the trailer and description of the cab and trailer, which matched Rinale’s vehicle. Deputy Gillie advised me that both parties involved in the accident wished to press charges.

Based on my knowledge, training, experience, and the behavior I observed from Rinale, I believed him to be under the influence of alcohol. I asked Rinale if he would participate in field sobriety testing. Rinale first appeared to be confused. Rinale then stated he does not answer any questions without his lawyer present.

At this time, based on statements from all parties and physical evidence, I found Rinale to be the cause of the accidents. I placed Rinale under arrest at this time. I placed Rinale in handcuffs behind the back, checked them for proper fit, and double locked them. Rinale was placed in the rear seat of Officer Nesbitt’s patrol vehicle. During a vehicle inventory of Rinale’s tractor-trailer, an empty “Bud Light Lime” alcoholic beverage was located inside the cab. I took photographs of all the damage on the front of the cab, the front of the trailer, and the side of the trailer.

I completed a vehicle inventory sheet for the vehicle. The vehicle was turned over to the next list (Wayne Martin’s towing). Deputy Gillie advised that [VICTIM #1] witnessed Rinale drag her SUV in the parking lot of the TA Travel Center while attempting to leave the parking lot, which corroborates with the damage on the front and side of the trailer. Deputy Gillie advised that [VICTIM #2], who is the driver of the tractor-trailer, stated he was parked in the back of the Pilot parking lot when he observed Rinale strike the driver’s side of his tractor cab with the front of his tractor-trailer (Corroborates the damage on the front of Rinale’s tractor cab). [VICTIM #2] stated he observed Rinale leave the scene, which caused him to attempt to stop him. Both parties were provided with case numbers.

[VICTIM #2] – Tractor Trailer at Pilot parking lot (FL tag [REDACTED], Insurance- Orbis Insurance (Policy # [REDACTED])

[VICTIM #1] – Toyota Sequoia at TA Travel Center (GA tag [REDACTED], Insurance- State Farm (Policy #[REDACTED])

Rinale Robertson – Suspect Tractor Trailer (AL tag [REDACTED], Insurance – Incline Casualty (Policy #[REDACTED])

I transported Rinale to the Bartow County Jail without incident. I issued Rinale Uniform Traffic Citations for Hit and Run (2 Counts) and Open Container. I contacted Brannon Golden LLC, which is the company for the tractor-trailer of the incident, and provided the wrecker information.

Photographs were taken of all damages.

[End of Narrative]