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Feb 19, 2021 at 9:59 PM EST
WOODSTOCK – The following incident report was filed by the Woodstock Police Department regarding the arrest of Matthew Connell, 43, of the 700 block of Walnut Lane in Woodstock, Georgia.
Connell was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on on February 5, 2021 on the following charges:
- Driving Under the Influence Alcohol
- Possession of Schedule 4 Drugs
- Drugs to Be Kept in Original Container
- Open Container Alcohol in Vehicle
- Weaving Over Roadway
Some names and addresses in the following transcription may have been redacted to protect the innocent. Errors may exist. We don’t always fix spelling/grammatical errors made by the agency.
Begin Transcription of Narrative Report
On Sunday 01/17/2021 at 1942 hours, I was sitting at the 1-575 northbound off-ramp to Towne Lake Parkway, at a red light when I heard a loud screeching noise. I looked to my left, and observed a Gray F150 that was in the right lane, jump onto the curb. The vehicle’s two right tires were on the curb. I then observed that same vehicle get off of the curb and slam on their brakes again, causing another screeching noise. The F150 than went into the turning lane to 1-575 northbound from Towne Lake Parkway. I operated a traffic stop on the vehicle, stopping on the on ramp.
I made contact with the driver, Matthew Connell, and informed him the reason for the stop, failure to maintain lanes. Matthew stated a vehicle cut him off, causing him to jump onto the curb to avoid hitting the vehicle. This was not true, since I did not observe any vehicles in front of Matthew at the time he went onto the curb. Matthew informed me that him and his wife had an argument, and he was coming from his home on East Cherokee, went to the Bullock’s Liquor Store, and than was headed back home. I observed a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Matthew’s breath, as well as noticing that Matthew’s eyes were glassy, and bloodshot. Matthew also had slurred speech, and appeared lethargic in his delayed responses. I also observed a large side scratch with white paint transfer on the whole right side of his vehicle, which appeared to be fresh, due to me being able to remove the paint from the vehicle with my finger. Matthew stated that this was like that, and this was from another accident where he was not at fault.
Matthew was asked to exit the vehicle, which he did, and almost fell as he was getting out of the vehicle. Matthew had to grab onto the door handle to prevent himself from falling, as he lost his balance. Matthew than went to the back of his vehicle. I asked Matthew again what had happened when he went onto the curb, where he than told me that he was upset about the argument with his wife, and jumped the curb out of anger. Matthew was asked how many alcoholic drinks he had, which he stated that he had two vodka mixed drinks, around 1400 hours. Matthew stated that the drinks were mixed with orange juice. Matthew stated that 1400 was the last time he consumed any alcohol, and stated that he has not recalled if he had anything to eat since. I also confirmed that Matthew’s odor of an alcoholic beverage was coming from his breath.
Matthew than was asked if he would perform voluntary field evaluations, to ensure that he is a safe driver. Matthew told me that he did not want to incriminate himself, and told me several times that I could just drive him home, and that I did not have to do this. Matthew was asked again if he would perform evaluations, where he stated that he would. Matthew informed me that he has had no recent head injuries that would prevent him from completing any evaluations, as well as not wearing any hard contacts, or resting nystagmus. During my talking with Matthew, he appeared to have to pace back and forth to keep his balance, not being able to remain in one position. As he was pacing, he also almost fell on the ground several times.
Matthew was given directions for HON, where Matthew stated that he understood and did not have any questions for me. I performed the evaluation, where I was able to observe lack of smooth pursuit in both eyes (2 clues), distinct and sustained nystagmus at 45 degrees in both eyes (2 clues) and onset of nsytagmus prior to 45 degrees, estimated around 10 degrees (2 clues). This totaled to 6/6 clues for this evaluation.
Matthew was then given directions to get into the starting position for the walk and turn evaluation, where Matthew was unable to keep his balance, as well as starting the evaluation prior to me telling him any directions. Matthew was than asked to get into the starting position again, where he could not keep his balance, and became frustrated. Matthew than told me that he was nervous and did not know if he wanted to do the evaluations. I explained to Matthew that the evaluation was voluntary, and I wanted Matthew to have every opportunity to prove to me that he was not an impaired driver. Matthew than agreed to perform the evaluations, and got back into the starting position, again not being able to remain in it, loosing his balance. Matthew was then demonstrated the evaluation. During about halfway during my demonstration, Matthew informed me that this was “too much” and he did not want to complete it. Due to Matthew refusing, I stopped.
Matthew than was asked if he would blow into my PBT, where he stated that he would. Matthew blew a positive result (.31) into the PBT. Matthew was than advised that I would be charging him with DUI, and read him implied and consent for blood, where he refused. Matthew was not placed under arrest at the time due to the jail refusing his high BAC. Matthew was than placed into handcuffs, which were double-locked and checked for proper fit, and told that I would be taking him to his house, and be taking wan-ants on him. Matthew was searched due to being transported, where I located no illegal contraband or weapons. Matthew was than placed into vehicle #1706, and seatbelted in.
Matthew’s vehicle was searched for elements of DUI, where I located an unsealed Vodka bottle that appeared to have been drank out of, being almost full. I also located several pills inside of the center console that were inside of a ziploc bag. These pills were taken. Matthew’s vehicle was impounded by Neese Towing.
Matthew was read Miranda Warning after I located the pills, where he stated that he did not want to talk to me.
Matthew told me that his address was off of Walnut Hall Circle, but told me it was not in Brookshire. Matthew told me that his address was [700 Block] Walnut Hall Circle, but when placed into my GPS, did not come up as a valid house address. I began to transport Matthew and had him give me directions. Matthew than told me that his house was on East Cherokee, not on Walnut Hall Circle. Matthew stated that his address was actually [700 Block] Walnut Lane. I placed it into the GPS, and transported him to his house, where he was released to his wife.
Upon speaking to his wife, she stated that this is the fourth DUI he has had recently, and that she wanted me to take him to jail to sober up. I also observed the mailbox at the house to be knocked over. The wife informed me that Matthew hit the sign as he was driving off from his house. This would be consistent with the scratches along Matthew’s car, where he lied about what had happened to me. Matthew was advsied he would be getting warrants for his arrest and to turn himself in on the weekday. Matthew was also given an ALS form due to his refusal for blood from implied and consent. Matthew’s wife also informed me that Matthew has a drinking issue, and this is a regular occurrence with Matthew.
I went back to my department, and discovered several pills inside of the bag that was located to be prescription pills, as well as one schedule 4 pill. This pill was sent to GBI Crime Lab, as well as the other pills being placed into evidence. The pills were not in their original container.
Matthew will be having warrants for the following: Failure to Maintain Lane, DUI Alcohol, Open Container, Possession of Scheduled Drug, Pills Not In Original Container.
End Transcription of Narrative Report
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