A 40 year old Smithville man lost control of his 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee and crashed on Riley Avenue this morning (Monday).
Tyrone Owens escaped injury but has been charged by Smithville Police with driving under the influence. He was also cited for simple possession of pills, violation of the financial responsibility law (no insurance), and violation of the implied consent law.
Patrolman Andy Snow told WJLE that Owens was north on Riley Avenue when he lost control in a curve. The vehicle went off the street and overturned on its top. Owens had to be assisted from the vehicle but he wasn’t hurt.
Officer Snow said Owens was unsteady on his feet. His speech was slow and slurred and he submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. He refused to take a blood test. Officer Snow also spotted a small baggie in the car which held 11 small round blue pills believed to be Xanax.
Owens was placed under arrest.
Members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department and DeKalb EMS were also on the scene.
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