Debra Wilson

Name:
Wilson, Debra Sue

Date of Booking:
06/08/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
DUI

FAILURE TO OBEY SIGNS OR CONTROL DEVICES

POSSESSION OF DRUG RELATED OBJECTS

DRIVING WHILE UNLICENSED

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 06/07/2026, at approximately 2338 hours, I, Ofc. Schoenholz, was patrolling in the area of 441 Business Highway and Cannon Bridge Road when I observed a white Nissan Frontier (SC tag [REDACTED]) come to a complete stop in the right-hand merging lane onto 441 Business Highway from Cannon Bridge Road. There is a posted sign stating “Keep Moving” on the right side of the merge lane. Based on my training, knowledge, and experience, disregarding traffic control devices and improper stopping in a roadway are recognized cues of potential impairment.

Sgt. Ridley was already positioned behind the Frontier and activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop. I responded to assist.

I approached the driver’s side where Sgt. Ridley was making contact with the driver, later identified as Debra Wilson. I observed Debra’s eyes to be droopy, and her speech was slurred. Debra initially handed Sgt. Ridley a piece of paper, stating it was the vehicle registration. When asked for her driver’s license, she took an extended amount of time to locate it in her wallet, displaying a lack of fine motor skills.

While Debra was searching for her license, I observed a spherical glass object partially concealed by a paper towel in the center console area.

I then moved to the passenger side and made contact with the front seat passenger, later identified as Mary Jane Garrett. Mary Jane was extremely talkative, repeatedly wiped her nose, and exhibited jerky body movements. A runny nose and involuntary movements are recognized indicators of potential stimulant impairment.

Sgt. Ridley obtained Debra’s driver’s license, which was later determined to be expired since 02/04/2025, and returned to his patrol vehicle to run her information through GCIC and dispatch. I remained by the truck speaking with both occupants.

I returned to the driver’s side and asked Debra where they were coming from. Both occupants stated they were coming from Helen. Upon closer observation, Debra’s eyes appeared heavy, she blinked slowly, and her voice was raspy and slurred.

I asked Debra what was located beneath the paper towel in the center console. Debra stated, “I don’t know.” Neither occupant initially made any attempt to reveal the item. After repeating my question, Mary Jane lifted the paper towel, revealing a glass pipe containing a white crystalline substance. Based on my training, knowledge, and experience, I recognized this as a pipe commonly used to inhale methamphetamine. Both occupants were asked to exit the vehicle.

While on the passenger side, I asked Mary Jane who the pipe belonged to. She stated it was not hers. After both individuals exited the vehicle, I directed them to the front of Sgt. Ridley’s patrol vehicle. I asked Debra if the pipe belonged to her, and she shook her head no. Both individuals were searched for weapons and contraband with negative results. I asked Debra if she would consent to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs), and she agreed.

I asked Debra if she wore contact lenses or glasses or had any recent head trauma. She stated she did not. Debra advised she had suffered a stroke several years prior. When asked about any injuries that would prevent her from performing the tests, she stated that one leg was shorter than the other due to deterioration in her neck. I later learned Debra uses a cane to walk.

I began the SFSTs with the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. Debra was instructed to stand with her feet together and hands at her sides, keep her head still, and follow the stimulus with her eyes only. She indicated she understood the instructions.

The stimulus was held approximately 12 to 15 inches from her face and slightly above eye level. I observed equal pupil size and equal tracking.

The following clues were observed:

• Lack of smooth pursuit: Present in both eyes
• Distinct nystagmus at maximum deviation: Not present
• Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees: Not present

I then administered the Walk and Turn test. Instructions were provided, and she indicated she understood.

Instructional phase clues:

• Could not keep balance
• Started too soon

Walking phase clues:

• Stopped while walking
• Failed to touch heel-to-toe
• Stepped off the line
• Used arms for balance
• Improper turn

Note: After the ninth step, Debra asked, “and nine back?” and began walking backward instead of turning. I stopped her and instructed her to turn and walk forward. I discontinued the test early due to concern she might fall.

I then administered the One Leg Stand test.

Observed clues:

• Swayed while balancing
• Used arms for balance
• Put foot down

Note: Debra was using the front of Sgt. Ridley’s patrol vehicle for support without my initial awareness. I discontinued the test at approximately 26 seconds due to safety concerns.

I then conducted Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) evaluations.

Lack of Convergence: Debra’s right eye deviated outward.

Modified Romberg: When asked to estimate 30 seconds, Debra estimated approximately 10 seconds on two attempts. She also displayed pronounced eyelid tremors.

I asked Debra what substance she had used that evening. She stated, “that bowl.” When clarified as methamphetamine, she confirmed. She denied using any pills or other substances.

When asked to rate her level of impairment on a scale of 110, Debra stated “1.5,” claiming she was just tired. She also stated that they had smoked all of the substance they had.

Debra consented to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT), which indicated a BAC of 0.00.

Sgt. Ridley advised that the passenger seat was wet and emitted an odor consistent with an alcoholic beverage. Both occupants denied having alcohol in the vehicle. Based on the totality of circumstances, I placed Debra under arrest. She was handcuffed, checked for proper fit and double-locked, and secured in my patrol vehicle. I read the Implied Consent Notice for Suspects Age 21 or Over, and Debra consented to a blood draw.

Debra was transported to Habersham Medical Center, where her blood was drawn by hospital staff without incident. The GBI blood toxicology kit and the glass pipe were submitted into evidence. I then transported Debra to the Habersham County Detention Center, where she was turned over to jail staff without incident. A pre- and post-transport search of my patrol vehicle revealed no contraband.

Debra’s vehicle was removed from the scene by Hulsey’s Wrecker Service (list wrecker). Mary Jane requested to drive the vehicle; however, based on my observations of impairment, I denied the request.

Debra Wilson was cited for the following offenses:

• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (O.C.G.A. 40-6-391(a)(6))
• Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device (O.C.G.A. 40-6-20)
• Possession of Drug Related Object (O.C.G.A. 16-13-32.2)
• Driving While Unlicensed (O.C.G.A. 40-5-20(a))

[End of Narrative]