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Name:
Tinoco-Zavala, Norberto
Date of Booking:
05/10/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
DUI REFUSAL
POSSESSION OF OPEN ALCOHOL CONTAINER
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 05/10/2026 around 1915, I Officer Joe while on patrol was parked on the side of the road on Gainesville Hwy and Cook Street when [WITNESS #1] approached my vehicle and told me a man is drinking beer and driving. I asked her where is this man. Mrs [WITNESS #1] pointed to a green SUV as it was pulling out of the Alto Grocery parking lot driving north on Gainesville Hwy. I asked Mrs. [WITNESS #1] again that the person who was drinking the beer, and she said yes.
I then caught up with the vehicle as it turned right onto Wheeler Street as I asked Cpl. Epperson (405) with the Baldwin Police Department to assist me and I advised her what I was told by Mrs. [WITNESS #1]. As I followed the green SUV down Wheeler Street, I saw it was a green Toyota 4Runner with a [REDACTED BY AGENCY].
As the vehicle came to the area of the road where the driver could turn right onto E Railroad St or go straight and go to the stop sign and stay on Wheeler Street, the driver stopped. After a few seconds the driver then drove straight to the stop sign at Nix Rd. After the driver went through the stop sign, I activated my emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop just past the Holiness Church on Wheeler Street.
After making contact with the driver who was identified as Norberto Tinoco-Zavala, I advised him why I stopped him. Mr. Tinoco-Zavala said he was not answering questions while his speech was slurred. I advised Mr. Tinoco-Zavala that his speech was slurred and asked if he would be able to complete some evaluations. Mr. Tinoco began too wave me off saying in a slurred speech no questions. I then asked Mr. Tinoco-Zavala multiple times to exit his vehicle. As Officer Whitaker (406) and Cpl. Epperson (405) arrived to assist me, Mr. Tinoco-Zavala complied.
As Mr. Tinoco-Zavala exited his vehicle, I directed him to the rear of his vehicle. As he walked he was stumbling. I also observed Mr. Tinoco-Zavala was wearing two different shoes. I made Mr. Tinoco-Zavala aware of that. As Mr. Tinoco-Zavala reached the rear of his vehicle I asked him if he would be able to do some Field Sobriety Evaluations. He said no. I then asked if he would provide a sample for my Portable Breath Test (PBT) he said no. I then advised Mr. Tinoco-Zavala that he was be arrested for the suspicion of DUI.
After I placed him in handcuffs behind his back, I checked the handcuffs for a proper fit and double locked the handcuffs. I then read Implied Concent for persons over the age of 21 to Mr. Tinoco-Zavala and asked for blood. Mr. Tinoco-Zavala began to shake his head side to side in a no fashion. I advised Mr. Tinoco-Zavala that I need either a yes or no answer. He then said no. After I escorted Mr. Tinoco-Zavala to my patrol vehicle, I checked his person for weapons. I then checked and cleared the rear seat.
As I was assisting Mr. Tinoco-Zavala into my vehicle he was non-compliant and did not want me to touch him. While Mr. Tinoco-Zavala was talking I was able to smell the odor of a alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. I asked Ofc. Whitaker if she smelled anything. She said that she was able to smell the alcoholic beverage also. Mr. Tinoco-Zavala then slowly entered the rear of my vehicle. I then seat belted him in and placed his wallet in the front passenger seat of my vehicle.
Im then searched Mr. Tinoco-Zavala’s vehicle. During the search a open Natural Light beer can was located an a yellow grocery bag on the front passenger sear with some beet in it. I then took a photo of the beer can for evidence and later disposed the can at the Alto Police Department.
I then asked Ofc. Witaker to go to the Alto Grocery Store and attempt to locate the witness as I asked Dispatch for the next list wrecker. Ofc. Whitaker advised me she spike with the witness and will send over a report via email, because she had a pending call in Baldwin and had to leave. While completing the vehicle inventory sheet, Hulseys wrecker arrived. After the driver [REDACTED] sign the paperwork, he took possession of Mr. Tinoco-Zavala’s vehicle. I then advised Dispatch of my beginning mileage and transported Mr. Tinoco-Zavala to the Habersham County Jail.
Upon arrival to the Jail, Mr. Tinoco-Zavala was escorted into the booking area and custody was turned over to the Jail Staff. I then completed the required paperwork and received a criminal history report from Ofc. Roberts. On the criminal history report I was able to see Mr. Tinoco-Zavala has been convicted three times since 2023 for DUI. After serving Mr. Tinoco-Zavala with a license suspension form 1205, he refused to sign. After Mr. Tinoco-Zavala was advised, I checked and cleared my rear seat and went back in service.
Car and body cam used
Cited for DUI, Improper stopping on roadway and open container
Form 1205 completed
Impound sheet completed
Ofc. Whitaker (406) will email report
Photo evidence added to report
[End of Narrative]