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Name:
Harris, Ava Elizabeth
Date of Booking:
04/28/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
DUI – LESS SAFE- ALCOHOL
FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE
LICENSE: DRIVING WITHOUT LICENSE
OPEN CONTAINER OF ALCOHOL IN MOTOR VEHICLE
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 April 28th, 2026 at approximately 07:56, Monroe County Dispatch advised a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) on a silver Honda Civic traveling south bound with passenger side damage in reference to a possible DUI driver. Dispatch advised the caller stated the vehicle is swerving and speeding. Dispatch also advised the driver of the Honda Civic was a white female.
I observed the silver Honda Civic passing the 186 mile marker south bound. I advised Dispatch I had eyes on the vehicle and continued to follow the vehicle until I saw any traffic violations. I observed the vehicle swerving all across the far left lane failing to maintain its course in a straight line. I conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle at the 185 mile marker and advised Dispatch the direction of travel, vehicle license plate, and vehicle description.
I ‘approached the driver side window and made contact with a white female driver. I advised the reason for the stop and asked for the drivers information. While the driver was attempting to locate her license, I detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle. I also noticed a tall clear glass bottle located in the driver door. The driver was unable to locate her license to which I advised her to step out of the vehicle. While the driver was stepping out of the vehicle I noticed that the tall glass bottle stated “Corona” with liquid still inside of it.
I advised the driver to go to the front of my patrol vehicle to further continue my investigation. While speaking to the driver I continued to detect the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her person. I also noticed her eyes were glossy and blood shot and that her speech was slurred. Upon further investigation I asked the driver if she consented to doing Standardized Field Sobriety (SFST) to which she stated yes. Before beginning I asked the driver a series of medical questions in reference to SFST to which she stated nothing would hinder her performance.
I started Standardized Field Sobriety with HGN (Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus). I had the female driver stand with both of her feet side by side and her arms down toward her side. I then reviewed the instructional phase for HGN. Before beginning I asked if she understood the instructions to which she stated yes. I then advised her to follow the tip of my pen with her eyes and her eyes only. I then performed the equal tracking portion of HGN. During this time she continued to mover her head after being told to only follow with her eyes and eyes only.
After completing this portion and observing the pupils were the same size and following the stimulus, I began lack of smooth pursuit. During lack of smooth pursuit I observed the involuntary jerking in both of her eyes. However, I also observed what looked like a lagging of her eyes when moving the stimulus across the face to test the opposite eye, I also observed the body swaying back and forth during this time as well.
I then began to perform distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation. During this time I continued to observed the involuntary jerking in both of her eyes. When performing the onset prior to 45 degrees portion of HGN I continued to observe the involuntary jerking of both of her eyes. During the vertical portion of the HGN I did not noticed the jerking of the eyes. (5 / 6 clues found)
I then performed the walk and turn portion of Standardized Field Sobriety, where I then gave detailed instructions for the test. I advised she will perform nine heel to toe steps in a straight line counting out loud. While continuing the instructional phase, I asked if she understood the assignment where she stated yes.
I then had her begin. During this time I observed multiple clues. She never completed a single heel to toe step in her first nine heel to toe, while using her arms for balance. When coming back after her first nine heel to toe, she started off on the wrong foot making her count incorrect. She never completed a single heel to toe step coming back and continued to use her arms for balance. (6/8 clues found)
I asked if she will perform the one leg stand portion of the Standardized Field Sobriety to which she stated she would. I gave detailed instructions for the test. I advised, on either leg of her choosing she will bring it approximately 6 inches off the ground and count out loud one one thousand, two one thousand, three one thousand until she hits thirty seconds. I asked if she understood the assignment where she did. While observing, I noticed many clues. Her leg was not at approximately six inches off the ground, her foot continued to touch the ground. She stopped counting at twenty seconds before my stop watch ever got to thirty. (3/4 clues found)
With all indicators seen during Standardized Field Sobriety, driving behavior, the glossy and blood shot eyes, unstable balance and the slurred speech, and the open container of alcohol. She was placed under arrest for DUI. Cuffs were applied, double locked and checked for fit. During this time the driver was identified as Harris, Ava.
I read Ms. Harris Implied Consent Notice for Suspects Age 21 and Over. Ms. Harris consented to the state administered test for her blood and was placed into the rear passenger seat of my patrol vehicle. I advised Dispatch to start me the next available wrecker service to which Buice was notified and en route.
I then conducted a Probable Cause search inside the vehicle to which a white and green can labeled “Sunny Margarita” and clear glass cup labeled “Blue Ribbon” was located. Inside of all three bottles were liquid inside with the odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside. After some time Buice arrived on scene and the vehicle was handed over.
I transported Ms. Harris to Monroe County Hospital where a successful blood draw was taken. I then transported Ms. Harris to the Monroe County Detention Center and custody was exchanged to the Monroe County Jail Staff.
The blood test kit was placed into evidence at the Forsyth Police Department.
[End of Narrative]