Mikeal Welch

Name:
Welch, Mikeal Robert

Date of Booking:
05/29/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Open Container Violation Beer/Ale/Porter/Stout/Other Similar Beverages

Knowingly Driving a Motor Vehicle on Suspended, Canceled, Revoked Registration

No Insurance

Standards For Brake Lights

DUI-Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

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 05/29/26 at approximately 1055 hours, I, Sergeant Hunt was sitting stationary on South Chattanooga Street observing vehicle traffic for movement and equipment violation. I observed a black in color Dodge Ram approach the stop sign at South Chattanooga and Patton Street. The vehicle continued straight where I observed the driver apply his brakes reacting to traffic and observed the vehicle passenger light did not illuminate as the driver light only did. I caught up to the vehicle to conduct a traffic stop. The vehicle came to a final stop on Oak Street near Culberson Avenue. Vehicle registration displayed was [REDACTED] on a 2014 Dodge Ram Pickup.

I approached the vehicle on the driver side. The driver of the vehicle, later identified as listed offender/arrested (Mike al Welch) advised the vehicle had issues with the window and opened the door. I asked Mr. Welch for his issued driver’s license and proof of insurance. Mr. Welch retrieved the requested items and I observed Mr. Welch to be smoking a freshly lit cigarette. I observed the moment Mr. Welch did look at my direction after telling me his window had issues, he had bloodshot eyes.

While Mr. Welch retrieved his vehicle proof of insurance, I observed in the passenger floor a 24 ounce Twisted Tea alcoholic beverage. I asked Welch when was the last alcoholic beverage he consumed and he stated it was 1700 hours on 05/28/2026. I asked Mr. Welch if he was wearing the same clothing or if he was consuming alcoholic beverages while in the car. Mr. Welch stated they were old clothes and he does not drink in the vehicle.

I advised Mr. Welch of the odor of alcoholic beverage and directed his attention to the freshly lit cigarette. Mr. Welch stated he was nervous is why he began smoking the cigarette. Based on my training and experience typically a person will use the odor of other substances to cover the odor of alcoholic beverage. Based on the other observations of Mr. Welch person I observed I asked Mr. Welch if he would allow me to check his eyes. Mr. Welch agreed.

I requested Mr. Welch to exit the vehicle and step to rear of the vehicle. I had Mr. Welch turn away from my patrol lights and the sun. I asked Mr. Welch about any injuries or any recent head trauma. Mr. Welch advised he did not have any issues. I asked Mr. Welch to place his heels and toes together and arm straight down his side. I advised Mr. Welch of the instructions for Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. Mr. Welch advised he understood.

I observed Lack of Smooth Pursuit and Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes. I observe Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus onset prior to 45 degrees in Mr. Welch right eye. I informed Mr. Welch I observed signs of impairment and asked if he wanted to continue the remaining field sobriety exam. Mr. Welch advised he was just nervous and he did not want to continue the exam.

I asked Mr. Welch on a scale of 0 being sober and 10 being highly plastered, what number would he say he was at. Mr. Welch only advised he was hangover from the drinking prior date. I informed Mr. Welch based on my observation I was placing him under arrest for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. Mr. Welch’s hands were placed into handcuffs behind the back. The handcuffs were checked for fit and double locked to prevent tightening.

Mr. Welch was searched incident to arrest and checked for weapons and contraband, none were found. Mr. Welch vehicle was checked for fruits of the crime and I observed and recovered four alcoholic beverages from Mr. Welch vehicle all in the immediate reach of Mr. Welch. Two of the alcoholic beverages were unopened, with one being cold, and having condensation on the can. The other two containers were open and empty with the contents removed (photos attached).

It was discovered Mr. Welch’s vehicle at the time of the traffic stop did not have active insurance on the vehicle and the registration was suspended. Mr. Welch was unable to secure insurance therefore the vehicle was not turned over to a license driver and was removed from the scene by Durhams Wrecker service.

Mr. Welch was read implied consent for person’s over 21 and refused chemical testing of his blood. Mr. Welch was transported to Walker County Detention without issue. Mr. Welch was turned over to and accepted by Walker County Detention staff. Mr. Welch was provided an Administrative license Suspension and license were seized.

Mr. Welch was issued the following citations; Driving While Under the influence (115003841), Brake Light violation (115003843), Failure to Maintain insurance (115003844), Knowingly Driving on Suspended registration (115003845), Possession of Open container of Alcoholic beverage (115003842).

[End of Narrative]