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Name:
Leon-Puentes, Laura Nathali
Date of Booking:
05/17/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Dui- Driving Under Influence Of Alcohol
Failure To Stop At Stop Sign
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 05/17/2026 at approximately 03:23 am, I Officer Sosa was on patrol when I observed a vehicle displaying Ga tag [REDACTED BY AGENCY] approach the four-way stop sign intersection of May St and 5th ave. I observed the vehicle fail to complete a required stop at the stop sign prior to proceeding through the intersection. Based on my personal observation of the traffic violation, I established probable cause to conduct a traffic stop for a stop sign violation.
I activated my emergency equipment and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle continued traveling and eventually came to a complete stop at the intersection of Janice St and E Morris St. I approached the driver side window and made contact with the driver who was identified as Laura Nathali Leon Puentes.
Upon initial contact, I observed that Laura avoided eye contact and would not respond to my questions. Throughout my initial contact, the front seat passenger repeatedly answered questions directed toward Laura. I also observed Laura begin drinking water while I was attempting to sperk with her. I detected a very strong odor of perfume emitting from the interior of the vehicle, which based on my training and experience can sometimes be used in an attempt to mask other odors.
The passenger advised that everyone inside the vehicle had been consuming alcoholic beverages. Due to the passenger continuing to speak for Laura, I requested that Laura exit the vehicle so I could speak with her separately. Laura complied with my request.
Once separated from the vehicle occupants, I detected a distinct odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Laura’s person. I asked Laura if she had consumed any alcoholic beverages and she admitted to drinking one corona beer approximately two hours prior to the traffic stop.
Based on the totality of the circumstances including the observed traffic violation, her admission to consuming alcohol, the passenger’s admission that the vehicle occupants had been drinking, the strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from her person, her unusual behavior during the traffic stop, and her difficulty communicating, I requested Laura participate in standardized field sobriety testing to assess her ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
During the explanation phase of the SFSTS, Laura had difficulty understanding simple instructions and required multiple explanations before appearing to understand the tasks.
Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN):
During the HGN evaluation I observed the following clues:
Lack of smooth pursuit in the left eye
Lack of smooth pursuit in the right eye
Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in the left eye
Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in the right eye
Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in the left eye
Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in the right eye
A total of 6 out of 6 clues were observed.
Walk and turn:
During the initial attempt of the walk and turn test, Laura displayed difficulty understanding the instructions. After being provided the instructions, she took only three steps, performed an improper turn, and took an additional three steps. I stopped the test, re-explained the instructions, and had her restart the test.
During the test I observed the following clues:
Difficulty understanding and following instructions
Improper turn
Failed to complete the test as instructed
One leg stand:
During the one leg stand test, Laura again displayed difficulty understanding the instructions and required multiple explanations. During the test I observed the following:
Swayed while balancing
Failed to count out loud as instructed
Laura provided a sample into my department issued alco-sensor which displayed a result of 0.124 brac. Based on my training, experience, and the totality of the circumstances including the observed traffic offense, admission to alcohol consumption, passenger statements, alcoholic beverage odor, observed behavior, difficulty following simple instructions, performance on SFSTS, and the clues observed during those tests, I developed probable cause to believe that Laura was operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to the extent it was less safe for her to drive.
Laura was placed under arrest for DUI. A search incident to arrest was conducted prior to transport. Laura was handcuffed, double locked, checked for proper fit, and placed into the rear seat of my patrol vehicle where she was properly secured with a seatbelt.
The rear seat of my patrol vehicle was searched both before and after transport with no contraband or property located.
I read Georgia implied consent to Laura requesting a state administered test of her breath. Laura verbally consented to provide a breath sample.
Due to Laura’s Colombian nationality, she was advised of her right to consular notification. Laura declined and refused Colombian consulate notification.
The vehicle was released to [REDACTED] who was determined to be sober and possessed a valid driver’s license.
I transported Laura to the Whitfield County Jail. Upon arrival, I secured my weapon prior to entering the facility. Officer Dykes operated the intoxilyzer instrument and obtained a breath test result of 0.094 brac.
Laura was issued citation #690154 for stop sign violation and citation #690155 for DUI.
An administrative license suspension (ALS) form was completed.
I transferred custody of Laura along with her personal property to jail staff for booking.
[End of Narrative]