Maria Puac Hernandez

Name:
Puac Hernandez, Maria Balbina

Date of Booking:
02/20/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Driving Without License (Unlicensed Driver)

HIT AND RUN; DUTY OF DRIVER TO STOP AT OR RETURN TO SCENE OF ACCIDENT

AGGRESSIVE DRIVING

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 February 20th, 2026 at approximately 08:56AM I, OFC T.Zenga#57, was dispatched to a hit and run at Shorter Ave/ Lyons Dr. Upon my arrival, I met with the complainant, [VICTIM #1], stating a gray truck took off from an accident he was involved with. Luckily a bystander took video and captured the woman who was driving and a description of the vehicle.

When filling out [VICTIM #1]’s information, another individual was across the street stated the vehicle parked behind Las Portales. Upon making my way over there, I noticed the female in the video walk inside. I went to the backside and checked to see if the vehicle was there, which it was. I knocked numerous times and they refused to come to the door. I stood by till the manager arrived and unlocked the door.

I went and spoke with the suspect, later identified as Maria Hernandez, who stated she did not have a license and that the other driver stated she could leave the scene. [VICTIM #1] though when I arrived stated she got out and looked at the damage and left. She also did not understand any English and [VICTIM #1] did not speak Spanish.

I placed Maria in handcuffs, checked them for fit, and then double-locked them. Maria was searched incident to arrest and placed in the backseat of my marked patrol vehicle. I then transported her to Floyd County Jail where she was denied and told to go to Atrium Floyd for med clearance. She was transported there and taken back to FCJ where she was booked.

[End of Narrative]