Bryan Banchi-Cruz

Name:
Banchi-Cruz, Bryan

Date of Booking:
07/17/2026

Reason(s) For Booking:
Dui- Driving Under Influence Of Alcohol

Open Container Violation

Hit & Run; Driver To Stop/ Return To Accident Scene

Driving Without A Valid License, Misd

Failure To Obey Traffic Control Devices; Running Red Light

Littering Highway

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 July 16, 2026, at approximately 2250 hours, I, Officer Haven, was dispatched to the intersection of Highway 71 and Highway 2 in reference to a two-vehicle motor vehicle accident with injuries.

Upon arrival, Deputy Robinson of the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office was already on scene. I assumed control of the accident scene while Deputy Robinson attempted to locate the suspect vehicle, a black 2004 Ford Expedition, which had struck a white Ford Bronco and fled the scene southbound on Old Prater Mill Road.

While searching for the driver of the Ford Bronco, Ms. [VICTIM #1], an unidentified witness advised me that one of the occupants from the fleeing vehicle was walking through the McDonald’s parking lot toward Old Prater Mill Road. The witness also stated he observed occupants of the suspect vehicle throwing beer cans from the vehicle as they fled. I began searching the area and heard shouting and observed emergency lights farther down the roadway. I ran toward Deputy Robinson and located him with the occupants of the suspect vehicle.

Due to a language barrier, Deputy Robinson was using a translator via telephone to communicate with the involved parties. I subsequently utilized Google Translate to assist in interviewing both occupants. Both individuals appeared highly intoxicated.

I first spoke with the passenger, identified as [WITNESS #1]. Mr. [WITNESS #1] stated that the other vehicle ran a red light and struck them. He identified the driver of the vehicle as Bryan Banchi Cruz. Mr. [WITNESS #1] did not report any injuries.

I then spoke with Mr. Cruz. While speaking with him, I observed that he was unsteady on his feet, had red and glossy eyes, and emitted a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage. I asked Mr. Cruz if he possessed a valid driver’s license, and he stated that he did not. I then asked how much alcohol he had consumed. Mr. Cruz admitted to consuming approximately three to four beers.

I advised Mr. Cruz that witnesses had observed beer cans being thrown from the vehicle as it fled the scene. When asked where the cans were discarded, he stated they had been thrown from the vehicle approximately one mile down the roadway.

Based on my investigation, witness statements, physical evidence, and my observations of Mr. Cruz’s impairment, I placed him under arrest for Hit and Run, DUI Less Safe (Alcohol), Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device, Driving Without a Valid License, Open Container, and Littering. Mr. Cruz was handcuffed behind his back, checked for proper fit, and double-locked. Deputy Robinson searched him for weapons and contraband, and none were located. Mr. Cruz was then secured in the rear of Deputy Robinson’s patrol vehicle.

I read the Georgia Implied Consent Notice to Mr. Cruz and requested a blood sample. Mr. Cruz refused the state-administered chemical test.

I requested the next-rotation wrecker, Frank’s Wrecker Service, to tow the suspect vehicle. Deputy Robinson remained with the vehicle pending its removal.

I then returned to the accident scene and spoke with [VICTIM #2], a passenger in the Ford Bronco. Mr. [VICTIM #2] stated that, in addition to a laceration on his arm that had been treated and bandaged by EMS personnel, he was also experiencing knee pain.

I next spoke with [VICTIM #1], the driver of the Ford Bronco. Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated she was traveling northbound on Highway 71 with a green traffic signal when the black Ford Expedition entered the intersection against the red light and struck her vehicle. Ms. [VICTIM #1] stated she was not injured.

I then interviewed witness [WITNESS #2], who stated he was traveling behind the Ford Bronco. Mr. [WITNESS #2] reported that the black Ford Expedition ran the red light and struck the Ford Bronco as it entered the intersection, narrowly missing his vehicle. He further stated that the Expedition immediately fled the scene following the collision.

Ms. [VICTIM #1] requested the next-rotation wrecker for her vehicle. Frank’s Wrecker Service responded and removed her vehicle. She was provided the report number and released from the scene.

I then returned to the suspect vehicle location, transferred Mr. Cruz to my patrol vehicle, and transported him to the Whitfield County Jail without incident. Upon arrival, Mr. Cruz was turned over to jail staff. While at the jail, staff administered a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT), which indicated the presence of alcohol.

Based on my investigation, I determined that Mr. Cruz was under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it was less safe for him to drive. Mr. Cruz failed to obey a traffic control device, causing a collision that resulted in injuries, and subsequently fled the scene. Accordingly, he was charged with Hit and Run, DUI Less Safe (Alcohol), and Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device.

Additionally, Mr. Cruz admitted he did not possess a valid driver’s license and was charged with Driving Without a Valid License. Mr. Cruz also admitted to throwing beer cans from the vehicle while fleeing the scene, indicating he possessed and consumed alcoholic beverages within the vehicle. Therefore, he was also charged with Open Container of an Alcoholic Beverage and Littering.

[End of Narrative]