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Name:
Hightower, Steven Gage
Date of Booking:
07/06/2026
Reason(s) For Booking:
Possession And Use of Drug-Related Objects
Failure To Appear, Misd
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 7/6/26 at 2145 I was traveling south on 4th ave near the intersection with Redwine St. I observed a gray vehicle (Ga tag [REDACTED BY AGENCY]) exit the Joan Lewis Park (700 4th Ave) and travel north on 4th ave. I observed that the vehicle had a front headlight burned out. The vehicle turned right (east) onto Lake St. I followed the vehicle.
The vehicle then turned left (north) onto 5th ave without stopping for the stop sign. The vehicle then turned left (west) onto Redwine St. The vehicle began to travel at a higher rate of speed. I then observed the vehicle run the stop signs at Redwine & 4th ave and then at 3rd ave. At this time I used my emergency equipment to negotiate the intersections. I was still a good distance away from the vehicle and kept my lights on as I sped up to approach the vehicle. I finally caught up to the vehicle at V.D Parrot Jr Prky and Riverbend Dr.
I made contact with the driver, Olivia. I observed a passenger in the front seat (Steven) and 2 children in the backseat [REDACTED BY AGENCY]. I could detect the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. I asked Olivia to step out of the vehicle.
Once Olivia was outside the vehicle I introduced myself and explained the reason for my stop. She stated that she and Steven were playing cards with her children at the park and someone came and attacked them. She stated that she was driving fast in order to get Steven to his mother since he was hurt. She stated that she attempted to do “rolling stops”. I then checked on Steven and observed some scratches on his elbows and knees. I asked him if he wanted EMS to come check him out. He stated that he did not.
I then asked Olivia about her drug usage. She stated that she smoked a pre roll THC product about 30 minutes prior to my interaction with her. I asked her how impaired she was on a scale from 1 to 10. She stated that she was at a 2. She also admitted that the marijuana consumption is why she made the driving choices that she made and was attempting to avoid being stopped. She then told me that there THC pens inside the vehicle.
I asked Olivia if I could check her eyes. She stated yes. I then explained and demonstrated the test for Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus. I observed no validated clues.
At this point I observed that Olivia’s pupils were dilated. I could also still detect the odor of marijuana coming from her. I requested another unit and Officers T. Miller 637 and M. Garcia 657 arrived on scene.
I then asked Olivia if she had any medical conditions that would prevent her from completing field sobriety she stated no. I explained and demonstrated the 9 step walk and turn. She stated that she understood my instructions. I observed no validated clues during this test.
I then explained and demonstrated the one leg stand. She stated that she understood my instructions. I observed no validated clues during this test.
I then performed Advanced Roadside Impairment Driving Enforcement Tests (ARIDE) on Olivia as I am trained to do so.
I explained and demonstrated the test for lack of convergence. Her eyes converged.
I then explained and demonstrated the finger to nose test. She stated that she understood my instructions. She missed her finger to the tip of her nose twice.
I then explained and demonstrated the Modified Romberg Test. She stated that she understood my instructions. Olivia estimated the passage of 30 seconds in approximately 24 seconds by counting.
A friend of Olvia’s with a valid driver’s license arrived on scene at this time. Oliva arranged for the children to be taken by the friend.
I asked Steven to step out of the car and I asked for his consent to search his person. He gave me consent. I found nothing of evidentiary value on Steven. I gained consent by Olvia as well. Olivia had a THC vape pen and a torch lighter in her pocket.
Officer Garcia and I searched the vehicle based on the odor of marijuana. In the front passenger compartment, we found 2 THC vape pens.
The vehicle was inventoried for a tow sheet and was towed by Bob’s Wrecker Service.
I then discovered that Steven had a bench warrant through the city of Dalton. Steven also claimed one of the vape pens.
Due to the driving that I observed, the odor that I detected, the admission to consuming THC products, the ARIDE tests, the pupils, the possession of the THС pen and all other mannerisms that I observed, I determined that Olivia was impaired beyond the ability to operate a motor vehicle safely.
I placed both Steven and Olivia under arrest. They were handcuffed and seat belted into my patrol vehicle.
I read Olivia the implied consent notification for persons 21 years old or older from my department issued implied consent card. I asked for a state administered chemical test of her blood. She stated that would provide a sample of her blood.
Olivia and Steven stated that the people who attacked them were [REDACTED] and [REDACTED].
I transported Olivia and Steven to the Whitfield County Jail and Sgt Brewer with the jail attempted to get a blood sample from Olivia as she is trained and qualified to do so. She was unable to get the blood sample due to Olivia’s small veins.
I then transported Olivia to Hamilton Medical Center and a nurse completed the blood draw.
I transported Olivia back to the Whitfield County Jail. I cited her with the following:
Citation # 630524 OCGA 40-6-72B Failure to stop at stop sign
Citation # 630525 OCGA 40-8-22 Headlight burned out
Citation # 630526 OCGA 40-6-391L DUI-child endangerment
Citation # 630527 OCGA 40-6-72B Failure to stop at stop sign
Citation # 630528 OCGA 40-6-72b Failure to stop at stop sign
Citation # 630529 OCGA 40-6-391L DUI-child endangerment
Citation # 630530 OCGA 40-6-391A2 DUI drugs less safe
Citation # 630531 OCGA 16-13-32.2 Drug related objects
I also served bench warrant #DMC647017 on Steven for original offense of 40-6-390 Reckless Driving. I then cited Steven with Citation #630523 OCGA 16-13-32.2 Drug Related Objects.
All paperwork, property, and the suspects were turned over to booking staff. My backseat was searched prior to and after all transports. My gun was secured while at the jail. Both are U.S citizens and had no medical issues to report to me.
The BA kit and the THC vape pens were turned into property and evidence at the Dalton Police Department. A GBI submission form was completed for the BA kit.
[End of Narrative]