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Name:
Martinez-Diaz, Ricardo
Date of Booking:
06/27/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
DUI-REFUSAL
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 06/27/2026 at approximately 0052 hours, while on patrol in the area of I-75 northbound near mile marker 186, I observed a silver Ram 1500 swerving and failing to maintain its lane. I activated my emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop near mile marker 187. Upon approaching the vehicle, I made contact with the driver, identified as Mr. Ricardo Diaz.
I requested Mr. Diaz’s driver’s license, and he provided an electronic copy. I then identified myself and informed Mr. Diaz of the reason for the traffic stop. While speaking with Mr. Diaz, I detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath. I asked Mr. Diaz if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages. Mr. Diaz stated that he had not consumed any alcohol and advised that he was on his way home from Florida.
I requested that Mr. Diaz exit the vehicle, and he complied. Once outside the vehicle, I again asked Mr. Diaz if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages because I could smell the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. Mr. Diaz again denied consuming alcohol. I then requested that Mr. Diaz perform Standardized Field Sobriety Exercises, to which he consented.
I began with the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test. Prior to administering the test, I asked Mr. Diaz a series of medical questions. Mr. Diaz stated that there were no medical conditions that would prevent him from performing the test. I then administered the HGN test and observed six out of six clues:
Lack of smooth pursuit, left eye
Lack of smooth pursuit, right eye
Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, left eye
Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, right eye
Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees, left eye
Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees, right eye
While administering the HGN test, I also observed Mr. Diaz repeatedly fail to keep his head still and deliberately look away from the stimulus multiple times.
I then administered the Walk-and-Turn test. Prior to the test, I again asked Mr. Diaz a series of medical questions, and he stated there were no medical reasons preventing him from performing the test. During the Walk-and-Turn test, I observed seven out of eight clues:
Could not maintain balance during the instructional stage
Stopped while walking to steady himself
Failed to touch heel-to-toe
Stepped off the line
Raised his arms for balance
improper turn
incorrect number of steps
I then administered the One-Leg Stand test. Prior to the test, I again asked Mr. Diaz a series of medical questions, and he stated there were no medical reasons preventing him from performing the test. During the One-Leg Stand test, I observed three out of four clues:
Started the test before instructions were completed
Swayed while balancing
Used his arms for balance
After completing the Standardized Field Sobriety Exercises, I read the Georgia Implied Consent Notice for suspects age 21 or over, requesting a breath sample. Mr. Diaz refused. I then again read the Georgia Implied Consent Notice for suspects age 21 or over, requesting a blood sample. Mr. Diaz also refused.
Based on my observations, including Mr. Diaz’s driving behavior, the odor of an alcoholic beverage, his performance on the Standardized Field Sobriety Exercises, and his refusal to submit to state-administered chemical testing, I determined that Mr. Diaz was under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it was less safe for him to drive a motor vehicle.
Mr. Diaz was placed under arrest and secured in handcuffs behind his back. The handcuffs were double-locked and checked for proper fit. He was then secured in the rear seat of my patrol vehicle.
Mr. Diaz was transported to the Monroe County Detention Center without incident. During transport, Corporal Manning advised me via radio that Mr. Diaz’s vehicle had been released to Watts Towing Service.
Charges:
Failure to Maintain Lane
DUI – Less Safe (Alcohol)
DUI – Refusal
[End of Narrative]