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August 7, 2026
May 20, 2026

Raul Saavedra

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Name:
Saavedra, Raul Jr

Date of Booking:
05/17/2026

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

Driver To Exercise Due Care; Proper Use Of Phones And Radios

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 this day I Officer G. Castillo was conducting traffic enforcement near the intersection of Walnut Ave & Lester Ave focusing my efforts in Georgia hands free violations.

I observed a white Honda Civic pass my location traveling westbound on Walnut Ave being occupied by a male driver with his phone in his right hand while driving. I then pulled out into the road way and initiated a traffic stop on this same white Honda Civic with Ga tag [REDACTED BY AGENCY] final stopping being Walnut Ave & Riverbend Rd.

I made a driver side approached on the vehicle and immediately observed the driver later identified as Raul Saavedra Jr put all the windows down on the vehicle. I then spoke to Raul and noticed his hands were very shaky and seemed nervous overall. I detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle and advised Raul to turn off the vehicle and to step out and he complied.

I advised Raul for the stop being that I saw him driving with his phone in his hand. Raul advised that he understood. I then advised him that I did detect the odor of marijuana from the vehicle and that I would be searching the vehicle. I asked Raul if there was anything in the vehicle that I should know about and Raul stated “a roach”. This term refers to the burnt end of a marijuana cigar that is left after smoking it.

I asked Raul when was the last time he smoke and he advised “this morning around 0500”. I then asked Raul if he would consent to me checking his eyes and running a few tests on him. Raul stated he consented and did not advised of any outstanding health conditions.

I first demonstrated and instructed Raul on the horizontal gaze nystagmus. During this test Raul demonstrated the following validated clues.

2/2 Lack of smooth pursuit
0/2 Distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation
0/2 Onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees

Total clue being 2/6.

During this test Raul was swaying and kept moving his head with his as if he was attempting to predict where the stimulant would be. I would repeat the instructions to Raul and he did ultimately only move his eyes.

I then instructed and demonstrated the walk and turn test. During this exam Raul demonstrated the following validated clue

Cant keep balance during instructions
Miss heel to toe
Improper turn
Use arm for balance
Incorrect number of steps

Total clues being 5/8.

I then demonstrated and instructed Raul on the one leg stand test. During this test Raul demonstrated the following validated clues.

Uses arms for balance

Total clues 1/4.

Officer Marcus then joined investigation as he is ARAD certified and can conduct additional tests to evaluate Raul thoroughly.

I then placed Raul under arrest and double locked his handcuffs. I searched him incident to arrest and seatbelted him into my patrol vehicle 75. Raul advised is a US citizen.

I then read implied consent notice for suspects age 21 or over for stated administered chemical test of his blood. Raul denied this.

I then transported him to WCSO along with his property. Upon arrival to WCSO I placed my firearm in sally port lock box and transferred Raul over to WCSO staff along with his property.

Raul was charged for the following:

Citation 642902: OCGA 40-6-391a2 DUI drug less safe
citation 642903: OCGA 40-6-241c1 Ga hands free violation

I served Raul with ALS form and handed him his on copy where he signed it and sent his license along with this form to the department of driver services.

I recovered my firearm and cleared my back seat.

Cleared by arrest

[End of Narrative]

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