Drunk Driver Nearly Sideswipes Patrol Car

A drunk driver who nearly sideswiped a sheriff’s department patrol car last week has been arrested.
51 year old Johnny Michael Howard of Billings Road, Sparta is charged with a third offense of driving under the influence. He was also issued a citation for failure to maintain his lane of travel. Howard’s bond is $4,500 and he will be in court April 24.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on Wednesday, April 2 at around 10:20 p.m. a deputy was traveling on Highway 70 just past Sligo bridge when a Dodge Caravan, driven by Howard, left its lane of travel and nearly sideswiped the patrol car in a curve. The officer stopped the vehicle and spoke with the driver, Howard, who had a strong odor of alcohol on him. Howard was unsteady on his feet. His speech was slurred and his eyes were bloodshot. Howard performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks. He was placed under arrest for the safety of himself and the public.
39 year old Autumn Danielle White of Page Drive, Smithville is charged with a second offense of driving on a suspended license. She was also issued a citation for simple possession (2 Hydrocodone pills), prohibited weapon (Billy Club), drug paraphernalia (set of scales), and violation of the open container law (2 open beers). Her bond is $3,000 and she will be in court April 17.
Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, April 6 while on routine patrol, a deputy saw White driving an automobile. Having prior knowledge that she did not have a license, the officer conducted a traffic stop of her vehicle. A computer check revealed that White’s license were suspended for failure to satisfy a citation. A search of her vehicle turned up a set of scales, two hydrocodone pills, and a Billy club. She also had two open beers in the front seat.
33 year old Mark Denver Young of Barnes Mill Road, Smithville is charged with driving on a revoked license. His bond is $1,500 and he will be in court on April 17.
Sheriff Ray said that on Sunday, April 6 a deputy saw Young operating a vehicle on Barnes Mill Road. Having prior knowledge that Young did not have a license, the officer conducted a traffic stop. A computer check revealed that Young’s license were revoked for driving under the influence. He was arrested and brought to the jail for booking.