Ricky Pridgen

Name:
Pridgen, Ricky Nathaniel

Date of Booking:
04/10/2022

Reason(s) For Booking:
SPEEDING IN EXCESS OF MAXIMUM LIMITS (STATE SPEED AND ZONE LIMITS)

DUI – DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL

Officer’s Narrative:
[Please note: The following is a direct transcription from the officer’s narrative report. We do not fix any spelling or grammatical errors. Any changes made by our staff are placed inside brackets. Some errors may exist.]

On April 10, 2022 at approximately 2320 hours, I observed a gold Chevrolet Cruze (GA Tag: [REDACTED]) traveling westbound on Ga Hwy 196 near Hooks Court at a high rate of speed in the number 2 lane. I activated my LIDAR unit and it registered a speed of 92 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. I activated my emergency equipment in order to initiate a traffic stop.

I approached the driver, later identified as Mr. Ricky Pridgen Jr. and explained the reason for the stop. I asked Mr. Pridgen for his license and registration. Mr. Pridgen handed me his license. While speaking with Mr. Pridgen, I could smell the overwhelming odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his person, his eyes were bloodshot and glassy. I asked Mr. Pridgen to step out. He complied and exited vehicle.

I asked Mr. Pridgen if he consumed any alcoholic beverages today. He stated he drank “one” earlier, later he would change his story to having “two”. I asked Mr. Pridgen if he would consent to Field Sobriety Evaluation, which he agreed to conduct. I asked Mr. Pridgen if he wore any glasses or contacts. He stated he did not. I then asked about any injuries that would hinder him from completing the evaluations, he stated he did not.

The first evaluation I conducted was the Horizional Gaze Nystagmus. Mr. Pridgen’s pupils were of equal size and both tracked equally on the stimulus (my finger). Both eyes displayed lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained Nystagmus at maximum deviation, and onset of Nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. Mr. Pridgen also had vertical Nystagmus. (6 out of 6 clues)

The second evaluation was the walk and turn. Mr. Pridgen was placed in the starting position, given verbal instructions and also given a demonstration. He gave a verbal “yes” stating he understood the directions. During the evaluation, I observed Mr. Pridgen start to soon, use his arms for balance during the instructions, step off the line, use his arms for balance, conduct an improper turn and missed several heel to toe steps. Mr. Pridgen did not count his steps out loud as he was instructed to do. (2 instructional clues, 4 walking clues. 6 total clues).

The third evaluation was the one leg stand. Mr. Pridgen was given verbal instructions and also given a demonstration. He gave a verbal “yes” stating he understood the instructions. During this evaluation, I observed no clues.

I requested Mr. Pridgen to provide a breathe sample in a Portable Breath Tester. Mr. Pridgen agreed to provide a breath sample. Mr. Pridgen showed a positive test for alcohol (0.171 BAC).

I then placed Mr. Pridgen under arrest for suspicion of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. I handcuffed, checked for fit, double-locked, and searched Mr. Pridgen. He was then placed in the rear of my patrol vehicle and seat belted in. I read to Mr. Pridgen the Implied Consent for Persons over 21 years of age. Mr. Pridgen agreed to provide a blood sample at this time.

I then requested next list tow service for the vehicle due to Mr. Pridgen unable to get a driver to come to the scene. Clark’s Towing 2 was dispatched to impound the vehicle. Corporal Henning stayed with the vehicle until Clark’s Towing arrived and took possession of the vehicle. I then transported Mr. Pridgen to Liberty Regional Medical Center for the blood draw, where a phlebotomist drew his blood without incident.

I transported Mr. Pridgen to the Liberty County Jail and released him to the custody of the jailers. Mr. Priden was cited for Driving Under the Influence 1st Offense and Speeding (92MPH in a 55 MPH zone).

Prior to leaving the jail, my patrol vehicle was searched with no contraband being found. After clearing the jail, the blood kit was logged into evidence per department policy.