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Name:
Wynes, Benjamin Michael
Date of Booking:
06/18/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
DUI – DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MULTIPLE SUBSTANCES
POSSESSION OF OPEN ALCOHOL CONTAINER
SPEEDING IN EXCESS OF MAXIMUM LIMITS
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 Thursday, June 18, 2026, at approximately 7:40 PM, Cpl. Jones was conducting traffic enforcement in the area of Highway 24 and Highway 15 when he observed a blue Dodge Ram traveling eastbound on Highway 24 through the intersection of Highway 24 and Highway 15 at 69 MPH in a posted 55 MPH zone. Cpl. Jones turned around to initiate a traffic stop and activated his emergency equipment.
After the emergency equipment was activated, the vehicle pulled onto the shoulder and continued traveling for a distance before coming to a stop. Based on the driver’s delayed response to the emergency equipment and the manner in which the vehicle continued traveling before stopping, Cpl. Jones suspected the driver may be impaired.
Cpl. Jones approached the driver’s side window and immediately observed that the driver appeared upset. Cpl. Jones asked the driver how he was doing, and the driver replied that he wished he was doing better. Cpl. Jones then asked what was going on, and the driver stated that he was just traveling home. While speaking with the driver, Cpl. Jones immediately detected the odor of burnt marijuana emitting from the vehicle.
Cpl. Jones observed the driver repeatedly rubbing his face with both hands, taking a deep breath and sighing while speaking, and continuously striking one hand into the other. Cpl. Jones asked the driver why he appeared so stressed, and the driver stated that he already had court pending for a DUI offense. Cpl. Jones then requested the driver’s license, which identified him as Benjamin Michael Wynes. Cpl. Jones asked Wynes if he was currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and Wynes stated that he was not.
Cpl. Jones asked Wynes to exit the vehicle and inquired about the presence of marijuana. Wynes stated there was a small amount of marijuana inside a grinder located in the vehicle. Cpl. Jones advised Wynes he was being detained and asked if he would empty his pockets while a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. Wynes complied. Wynes was then placed in handcuffs and secured in the rear seat of Cpl. Jones’ patrol vehicle during the search.
During the probable cause search, Cpl. Jones located less than one ounce of suspected marijuana inside a plastic bag, a marijuana grinder containing suspected marijuana residue in the center console, and a marijuana smoking pipe containing burnt marijuana residue on the center console. Cpl. Jones also located an open container of an alcoholic beverage inside a backpack located on the passenger-side floorboard.
Based on the odor of burnt marijuana, the presence of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia, the open container of alcohol, Wynes’ observed behavior, statements made during the stop, and the circumstances of the traffic stop, Cpl. Jones requested that Wynes provide a preliminary breath sample. Wynes consented and provided a sample on a Portable Breath Test (PBT), which indicated the presence of alcohol with a result of 0.047 BrAC.
Based on the totality of the circumstances, including the odor of burnt marijuana, Wynes’ admission regarding marijuana in the vehicle, the presence of marijuana and drug paraphernalia located within the driver’s reach, the open container of alcohol, the positive PBT result, Wynes’ observed behavior, and the circumstances of the traffic stop, Cpl. Jones determined Wynes was less safe to operate a motor vehicle and placed him under arrest for DUI.
Cpl. Jones read the Georgia Implied Consent Notice for suspects age 21 or over and requested a state-administered chemical test of Wynes’ blood. Wynes consented to the blood test. Cpl. Collins arrived on scene and remained with the vehicle until Ronnies towing picked up the vehicle while Cpl. Jones transported Wynes to Washington County Regional Medical Center for a blood draw. Medical staff obtained a blood sample from Wynes at approximately 8:40 PM. The blood sample was collected pursuant to implied consent procedures. After the blood sample was obtained, Cpl. Jones transported Wynes to the Washington County Jail.
Upon arrival at the Washington County Jail, Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) evaluations were conducted by Lt. Perdue, a certified Drug Recognition Expert, to assist in determining whether Wynes was under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof. Wynes cooperated with Lt. Perdue throughout the evaluation process. Based upon Lt. Perdue’s evaluation and observations, Lt. Perdue advised that the charge of DUI – Drugs/Alcohol Combination was appropriate.
Upon completion of the investigation, Cpl. Jones issued Wynes warnings for Possession of Marijuana Less Than One Ounce and Possession of Drug Related Objects. Wynes was issued citations for DUI – Drugs/Alcohol Combination (O.C.G.A. 40-6-391(a)(4)), Speeding 69 MPH in a 55 MPH Zone, and Open Container of Alcohol While Operating a Motor Vehicle.
The state-administered blood test kit was sealed, labeled, maintained in Cpl. Jones’ custody, and submitted into evidence. The suspected marijuana and drug related objects were submitted to the evidence lockbox for destruction in accordance with agency policy. Wynes was then turned over to jail staff for booking. Blood test results are pending laboratory analysis.
[End of Narrative]