Ricardo Woodford

Name:
Woodford, Ricardo Cortez

Date of Booking:
05/18/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
DUI – Alcohol – Less Safe

Reckless Driving

PASSING VEHICLES PROCEEDING IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Obedience to Traffic-Control Devices Required

Change Address or Name

Instruction Permits/Graduated Licensing and Related Restrictions/Temporary Licenses

Driving Through Safety Zone Prohibited

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.]

[NARRATIVE #1 on May 18, 2026]

On May 18, 2026, at approximately 1832 hours, I, Officer Walcott, assigned to the Canine Unit, conducted a traffic stop on Highway 155 South at the I-75 Northbound ramp within the city limits of McDonough, Henry County, Georgia 30253. The driver was subsequently arrested for DUI Less Safe.

While entering the city limits of McDonough and traveling eastbound on Highway 155, I observed a black Ford Crown Victoria traveling westbound on Highway 155 merge into the center turn lane where there was no designated outlet to turn either left or right. The vehicle continued traveling at a speed faster than the other vehicles on the roadway, passing heavy traffic on Highway 155.

The vehicle then continued through the center turn lane, exited the center turn lane and began traveling westbound in the eastbound lane of traffic. The vehicle merged back into the center turn lane and entered a safety zone before merging back onto the westbound lane of traffic. The vehicle continued westbound and proceeded through a red traffic signal.

At that time, I activated the emergency equipment on marked patrol unit #36 and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle while traveling westbound on Highway 155. I advised dispatch of the vehicle’s tag number, [REDACTED]. The vehicle came to a safe stop at 978 Highway 155 South (Circle K Gas Station).

I exited my marked patrol vehicle and approached the driver’s side of the vehicle. I identified the driver as Ricardo Woodford Jr. I instructed Mr. Woodford to exit the vehicle, and I placed him in handcuffs to the rear, double-locked them, and checked for proper fitment. I advised Mr. Woodford that he was being detained at that time during the investigation for his erratic driving behavior.

While speaking with Mr. Woodford, I detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. I asked Mr. Woodford the reason for his driving behavior. Mr. Woodford stated that he had left an AA meeting and was rushing home. I then asked Mr. Woodford if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages. Mr. Woodford stated that he had left a bar, although he did not specify which establishment, and admitted to consuming two shots of alcohol.

I asked Mr. Woodford if he still resided at the address listed on his driver’s license. Mr. Woodford stated that he had moved from that address approximately three years ago.

At that time, I advised Mr. Woodford that he was under arrest. I read Georgia Implied Consent for breath, which Mr. Woodford refused. I then re-read Georgia Implied Consent for blood, which he also refused.

I requested an additional unit for transport assistance. Officer Aguilar arrived on scene and secured Mr. Woodford in the rear of her patrol unit. I issued Mr. Woodford a DDS-1205 form and explained the administrative license suspension process to him.

I requested Swanson Towing respond to my location. A vehicle inventory was conducted, and the vehicle was removed from the scene by Swanson Towing.

Mr. Woodford was transported to the Henry County Jail and released into their custody. He was charged with DUI Less Safe and other applicable traffic offenses. Mr. Woodford was operating the vehicle on a temporary D.U.I permit with employment, school and medical restrictions. Mr. Woodford admitted to driving from his AA meeting to a bar, then from the bar to the incident location, which is in violation of his permit.

[End of Narrative]

[NARRATIVE #2 on May 18, 2026]

On May 18, 2026, at approximately 1848 hours, I, Officer Aguilar, responded to 978 Highway 155 South (Circle K) in reference to assisting Officer Walcott with the transport of an arrestee.

Upon arrival, Ricardo Woodford was thoroughly searched and placed in the rear seat of my patrol vehicle (#31). Officer Walcott provided me with a DDS 1205 form and Ricardo Woodford’s citations, which I reviewed and reiterated to him along with the charges against him. Ricardo Woodford was then transported to and released into the custody of the Henry County Jail.

I also assisted with completing the arrest and booking sheet for Ricardo Woodford.

[End of Narrative]