Stephen Estes

Name:
Estes, Stephen Nicholas

Date of Booking:
06/08/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Violation Probation – Felony

Brake Light Requirements For All Vehicles Manufactured After Jan 1, 1954

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 June 6, 2026 at approximately 2153 hours I, Officer Smith was dispatched on a BOLO (be on the lookout) for a red in color minivan. Walker 911 advised the caller stated the van was swerving in and out of its lane and was possibly under the influence. I was then advised the vehicle pulled into the parking lot of 607 South Main Street.

I arrived in the area where I observed the listed vehicle parked sideways in the roadway with its headlights off on Clark Street. I had already passed by the vehicle where I began to turn around when it was safe to do so. I observed the vehicle turn its headlights on where it turned Northbound onto South Main Street. I was behind the vehicle attempting to catch up where I observed the vehicle travel over the central turn lane yellow line after it passed South Duke Street.

I got directly behind the vehicle where it was traveling at a speed of approximately 20mph in a posted 35mph zone. The vehicle traveled north where we were approaching West Main Street. The vehicle was at a slow rate of speed where it was already passed the entrance portion of the turn lane to turn onto West Main Street. The vehicle did not get into the turn lane until it was almost at the stop line bar on the roadway, the vehicle got into the turn lane where the vehicle was already inside the turn lane before the driver activated the turn signal to signal a lane change.

As the vehicle was turning left another vehicle was turning right onto South Main Street from West Main Street. The listed vehicle was close to the vehicle turning due to the vehicle cutting the turn into the opposite lane of travel. The vehicle continued to travel on West Main Street at a speed of approximately 20-26mph in a posted 35mph zone while riding very close to the yellow line of the central turn lane. I activated my emergency equipment at this time to initiate a traffic stop. The vehicle turned into [200 BLOCK] West Main Street.

I approached the driver side window of the vehicle. As I was standing at the drivers window the driver stared at me through the window for 5 seconds before he rolled the window down. I observed at this time that the drivers eye lids were droopy. The driver then stated he was waiting on me to speak with windows up. I then advised the driver the reasons for the stop.

I began asking if the driver if he had been drinking where he stated no. I then asked if he has taken any medications where he stated he takes a lot. I then instructed the driver of the vehicle where I had him stand at the front of my vehicle. I returned to my patrol vehicle to run the driver and passengers information. I then returned back to speak with the driver further. I asked the driver why he was parked sideways in the middle of the road where he stated he thinks they were switching drivers.

I asked the driver if he would perform Field Sobriety Tests where he looked at the other officer on scene then looked at me and asked if I was talking to him or the other officer. The driver then stated yes that he would perform the tests.

I began my Field Sobriety Tests. It shall be noted I asked the driver if he had any previous injuries or issues that would prevent him from performing the tests where he stated no.

Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus: The driver had Lack of Smooth Pursuit and Distinct and Sustained at Maximum Deviation.

Walk and Turn: The driver used his arms for balance during the instructional phase. The driver then asked prior to beginning the test if he could take his shoes off where he did. He began the test where he stepped off line approximately 6 times and used his arms for balance during the entirety of the test. He also had an incorrect number of steps on the first portion where he took 8 steps the made an incorrect turn.

One Leg Stand: the driver started the test where he lost balance and placed his foot down. He then asked if I said 6 inches from the ground where I stated yes. He began the test again where he raised his foot approximately 1 inch off the ground. He used his arms for balance during the test and swayed the entirety of the test. He dropped his foot 3 times where I then stopped the test.

Lack of Convergence: the driver exhibited lack of convergence on both attempts where he was looking straight ahead.

Finger to Nose: the driver failed to touch the tip of his nose on every attempt where he touched the bridge of his nose.

Modified Romberg: the driver believed it had been 30 seconds after 36 seconds.

I concluded my tests where I knew my findings and result. I asked the driver if he would consent to a PBT where he agreed. The driver had a negative reading on the PBT. I then advised the driver to turn around where he was placed under arrest for the suspicion of Driving Under the Influence. The handcuffs were placed behind his back which were checked for fit and double locked. He was then placed in the rear seat of my patrol vehicle where he was the read Georgia’s Implied Consent for Drivers Age 21 and Over. I read for Urine where the driver agreed.

I advised the female passenger that she was free to leave and the vehicle was left of scene due to it being parked on the lot of their residence.

The driver was transported to the Walker County Jail where a Urine sample was collected and placed and sealed into a Blood Toxicology Kit. He was then turned over to detention staff with no issues.

The driver was charged with Driving Under the Influence (114002794) and Turn Signal Violation (11400295).

All paperwork and evidence was logged and placed into evidence accordingly.

[End of Narrative]