Leonardo Perez

Name:
Perez, Leonardo Mena

Date of Booking:
06/11/2026

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

Laying Drag Or Reckless Conduct With Auto

Basic Rules; Too Fast For Conditions

Reckless Driving

No License On Person; To Be Carried And Exhibited On Demand

Noise Regulations

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 06/10/2026 at approximately 2356 hours, I was patrolling in the area of N Glenwood Ave & E Mitchell St.

At this time, I noticed a gray in color Infiniti passenger car enter onto N Glenwood Ave from E Long St at a high rate of speed. The vehicle then began spinning its tires before turning onto E Mitchell St. I then pulled out and attempted to catch the offender vehicle. The vehicle continued to travel eastbound on Mitchell St at a high rate of speed.

In an attempt to catch up to the vehicle, I was travelling over 70mph on Mitchell St, which is a 25 mph zone and is directly in front of James Brown Park, where many people visit and walk across the roadway. The vehicle then turned onto Avenue E and was still pulling away from my patrol vehicle. I turned on my emergency lights due to the speed at which the vehicle was travelling. The vehicle was continuing to travel at a high rate of speed on Avenue E. Once I turned my emergency lights on, the vehicle showed no signs of slowing down. The vehicle then crashed into a parked trailer on the side of the road and came to a stop at [900 BLOCK] Avenue E.

I then stopped behind the vehicle and ordered the driver out of the vehicle. The driver seemed confused and only put his hands out the window. He then eventually stepped out of the vehicle. When he did, I approached him, and I instantly smelled the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his person. I then noticed that his eyes were red and glossy.

The driver of the vehicle (Leonardo Perez) immediately told me and Ofc Aldava that he had only had two beers to drink. I then informed Leonardo to stand in front of my patrol vehicle. Leonardo began telling me that it was my fault that he hit the trailer because I turned my blue lights on. Leonardo complied, and I asked him if he would be willing to take a set of voluntary tests to ensure he was okay to drive, and he complied.

The first test I performed was the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN). During this test I observed the following clues:

• Lack of smooth pursuit in the left and right eyes
• Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in the left and right eyes
• Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees in right eye.

For a total of 5/6 validated clues.

It should be noted that multiple times during the test Leonardo quit looking at my finger and began to look directly at me.

The next test I had Leonardo perform was the 9-step Walk and Turn. I explained and demonstrated the test for Leonardo and he stated he understood. During this test I observed the following clues:

• Unable to maintain balance during instructions
• Starts too soon
• Stops while walking
• Raises arms for balance
• Improper turn
• Incorrect number of steps

For a total of 6/8 validated clues.

It should be noted that Leonardo had stopped in the middle of the test and was looking upward during the duration of the test.

The last test I had Leonardo perform was the One Leg Stand. I explained and demonstrated the test to Leonardo and he stated he understood. During this test I observed the following clues:

• Puts foot down
• Uses arms for balance
• Sways while balancing

For a total of 3/4 validated clues.

It is important to note that Leonardo began this test before being instructed and held his left arm behind his back. Leonardo also asked me what comes after 9 one thousand while counting.

I then decided to place Leonardo under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol and reckless driving. I placed handcuffs on Leonardo in the rear, double locked, and checked for proper fitment. I then searched Leonardo incident to arrest. I then searched the rear seat of my patrol vehicle prior to placing Leonardo inside, seat-belting him in.

I then read Leonardo’s implied consent for drivers over the age of 21. I requested that Leonardo give a breath sample, and he refused. Leonardo then wished for his phone and his purse to come with him to the jail. Officers then conducted a tow inventory of his vehicle and did not locate any contraband. I obtained Leonardo’s phone and his purse and secured them in my patrol vehicle. The list wrecker (Yates Towing) later arrived on scene and towed the vehicle.

I then transported Leonardo to the Whitfield County Jail without incident. Upon arrival at the jail, I secured my department-issued firearm in the lockbox in the sally port. I then got Leonardo and his belongings and turned them over to the Whitfield County booking staff. I searched the rear seat of my patrol vehicle after Leonardo was inside and no contraband was found. I then returned to my patrol vehicle to prepare the charges for Leonardo.

I arrested Leonardo on the following citations…

667871 – Laying drag – 40-6-251
667872 – Too fast for conditions – 40-6-180
667873 – Reckless driving – 40-6-390
667874 – License not on person – 40-5-29a
667875 – Loud noise (exhaust) – 74-186
667856 – DUI alcohol less safe – 40-6-391a1

I then served these citations to Leonardo in jail and had him sign the ALS form. I then provided the booking staff with Leonardo’s citations and his copy of the ALS form. I then returned to the sally port and retrieved my department-issued firearm before leaving the jail.

[End of Narrative]