A 66-year-old Sulphur Springs man was accused of drunk driving during a crash on the Hillcrest Drive overpass early Friday morning, sheriff’s deputies alleged in arrest reports.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Aaron Chaney reported seeing as southbound black Ford F-150 pickup drive straight from the right turn lane on the Hillcrest Drive overpass and collide with the concrete lane separator at 12:05 a.m. Sept. 18. Chaney alleged the vehicle became “slightly airborne, clearing the concrete barrier and deflating the passenger’s side tires” on the truck.
Chaney reported attempting a traffic stop. The truck was reportedly driven into a travel center parking lot on the west side of the Hillcrest Drive.
The man, upon stopping, “immediately jumped out of the truck to observe the damage” cause to his vehicle during the crash on the Hillcrest Drive overpass. He also allegedly walked “as if his feet were heavy and almost fell down upon exiting the vehicle,” Chaney noted in arrest reports. When asked the man admitted to having a 9mm pistol on his hip. Chaney disarmed him and secured the firearm.
When asked if he had consumed alcoholic beverages, he man allegedly admitted to consuming 4-5 beers. He allegedly exhibited 6 clues of intoxication on horizontal gaze nystagmus tests and five clues of intoxication on one standard field sobriety test. He then refused to perform any other standard sobriety test, Chaney alleged in arrest reports.
A records check reportedly showed three prior driving under the influence convictions in Georgia for the 66-year-old man. Consequently, Roy Stephen Dyer was arrested at 12:19 a.m. Sept. 18 for third or more driving while intoxicated offense and unlawful carrying of a weapon, according to arrest reports.
HCSO Deputy Bobby Osornio arrived to assist in inventorying the man’s vehicle prior to impound.
Dyer reportedly agreed to a blood draw, which was taken at CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital. The man was then transported to the county jail, where he was booked at 3:38 a.m. Sept.18 on the felony DWI and weapon charge.
Dyer remained in Hopkins County jail late Friday morning. Bond was set at $10,000 on the DWI charge and $2,000 on the weapon charge, according to jail reports.
