Joshua Bowden

Name:
Bowden, Joshua Lawats

Date of Booking:
09/02/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
DUI – DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL – CONCENTRATION IS 0.08G OR MORE WITHIN 3 HRS OR MORE

FAILURE TO MAINTAIN LANE

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 Wednesday, September 2nd, 2026, at approximately 10:35, I was dispatched to First Baptist Church at the intersection of Indian Springs and West King St, to assist Invsetigator Robins with a possible DUI.

Upon my arrival, I spoke with Mr. Joshua Bowden, who I immediately observed to be unsteady on his feet. As I got closer to him, I observed that he had watery, bloodshot eyes, and the strong odor of alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. As I began to speak with Mr. Bowden, I also took note of his slurred speech and confused demeanor. Almost immediately, Mr. Bowden acknowledged that he had been drinking alcohol and claimed that it was because he had a lot going on. When asked, Mr. Bowden stated that he had started drinking home-made margaritas at approximately 8am, this morning. When I asked Mr. Bowden how many margaritas he had drank today, he stated he had drank about three. When I asked Mr. Bowden how large the margaritas were, he stated that they were approximately the size of a beer can. Mr. Bowden then proceeded to state that he knew he was in the wrong.

After my initial conversation with Mr. Bowden, I then proceeded to ask if he was okay with performing some tests with me to ensure he was safe to drive. Mr. Bowden agreed to perform the tests, during which time he began to get distracted and pulled his phone out to make phone calls, despite being advised not to call anyone. After observing that Mr. Bowden was on the phone with someone, I removed the phone from his hand and placed it in my back pocket, so that I could continue with my investigation. Mr. Bowden was asked to step in front of my patrol car, however, he insisted that he stand in the grass because he feels more stable in the grass.

When I asked Mr. Bowden if he had any head injuries he advised, no.
When I asked Mr. Bowden if he had any eye injuries he advised, no.
When I asked if Mr. Bowden wore glasses or contacts he advised, no.
When I asked Mr. Bowden if he had good vision he advised, yes.

Mr. Bowden was then instructed to stand with his feet together and his hands down by his side. Mr. Bowden was instructed to follow the tip of my finger with his eyes and his eyes only. Mr. Bowden was instructed to not move his head during the extent of the test. When I asked Mr. Bowden if he understood my instructions he advised, yes.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (6/6) (VNG 2/2)

I observed equal pupil size in both of Mr. Bowdens eyes. I observed equal tracking in both of Mr. Bowdens eyes. I observed no resting nystagmus in Mr. Bowdens eyes. I observed 2/2 Clues for lack of smooth pursuit. I observed 2/2 clues for distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation. I observed 2/2 clues for onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. I observed 2/2 clues for vertical nystagmus. Throughout the extent of the HGN test, Mr. Bowden would repeatedly move the entirety of his head despite being instructed to follow the tip of my finger with his eyes and his eyes only. Mr. Bowden had to be corrected repeatedly, however, he still proceeded to move his head on multiple separate occassions. Mr. Bowden was also swaying back and forth through the extent of the test and continued to move his hands around his body; to include crossing his arms and placing his hands in his pockets, despite being instructed to keep them down by his side.

Walk and Turn (Unable to Complete)

Mr. Bowden was instructed to imagine a straight line out in front of him. Mr. Bowden was instructed to place his left foot on the line, followed by placing his right foot in front of his left foot, touching heel-to-toe. Mr. Bowden was instructed to not begin the test until instructed to do so. Despite my clear instructions, Mr. Bowden proceeded to place his right foot on the line first, followed by placing his left foot in front of his right foot. Mr. Bowden would then go on to repeatedly start the test as I was attempting to explain the instructions to him. Mr. Bowden was unable to follow my instructions and was ultimately unable to complete the Walk and Turn test.

One Leg Stand (Unable to Complete)

Mr. Bowden was instructed to stand with his feet together and his hands down by his side. Mr. Bowden was instructed to remain in this position while I demonstrated the test. After advising that he understood my instructions, Mr. Bowden immediately got out of the ready position and stood with his feet side by side. After being unable to complete the test, Mr. Bowden asked me to step away from the other Deputies, followed by telling me that he knows he had been drinking. Mr. Bowden was then provided multiple opportunities to attempt the test, to which he did not.

Mr. Bowden was then placed in handcuffs and was advised that he was under arrest for DUI. After checking Mr. Bowdens handcuffs for fit and double locking them, Mr. Bowden was asked to sit on the front bumper of my patrol car, due to how unstable he was on his feet. Mr. Bowden was then read the Georgia Implied Consent Notice for Suspects age 21 and over. When asked if he would submit to a state adminstered chemical test of his blood, Mr. Bowden advised, yes. Mr. Bowdens family then took possession of Mr. Bowdens vehicle and Mr. Bowden was transported to the Monroe County Hospital, where a nurse completed his blood draw. Mr. Bowden was then transported to the Monroe County Jail and handed over to jail staff without incident.

Mr. Bowdens blood was logged in to evidence and was submitted to the Georgia Bureau of Investigations for Analysis.

It is to be noted that, upon speaking with Investigator Robins, he stated that he had originally conducted a traffic stop on Mr. Bowdens vehicle after he had observed the vehicle fail to maintain its lane multiple times, followed by driving on the opposite side of the roadway for an extended period of time.

[End of Narrative]