JONES COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
A serious accident on Highway 49 led to the arrest of the driver who was deemed at-fault, with open containers of alcohol in his vehicle perhaps sealing the deal.
David Bradford Gillespie, 60, was arrested Sept. 9, and charged with DUI less safe alcohol, open container or alcohol in motor vehicle, failure to maintain lane, driving on the wrong side of a roadway and serious injury by vehicle.
A report of the arrest by Jones County Sheriff Department Deputy Chris Shurley stated he was dispatched to the intersection of Highway 49 and Kent Drive in reference to a two-car motor vehicle accident with injuries.
Shurley said, when he arrived, he saw a gold Volkswagen Jetta in the southbound lane of the road occupied by a white male. He said he approached the car and asked the driver if he was OK, and he said he was.
The deputy said, based on that brief interaction, he detected the odor of alcohol.
Shurley then checked on the driver of the of other vehicle involved, a red Toyota Solara, which was down an embankment. He said the driver was being tended to by people who had pulled up on the scene that included a medical professional. He said the driver appeared to have a broken leg and was receiving first aid while waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
The deputy said he spoke to a witness of the accident who was behind the Volkswagen traveling northbound toward Baldwin County.
The witness said the Volkswagen was driving in the middle lane and constantly all over the roadway.
The officer was told the Volkswagen struck the Solara head-on.
Shurley said EMS arrived and took over the scene. He said the injured driver was transported to Atrium Health Navicent for treatment.
Shurley turned his attention to the driver of the Volkswagen, who was identified as Gillespie.
He asked him if he was taking any medication, and Gillespie said yes.
As the conversation continued, the driver admitted to taking pain medication that morning and had consumed two “vodka mixed drinks.”
The deputy said, while speaking with Gillespie, the odor of alcohol became more noticeable, and he recognized other signs of intoxication. The driver also told him he did not remember much of what had happened in the accident.
Shurley said while photographing the Volkswagen, he found an empty beer can and a full bottle of vodka stashed under the front passenger seat.
He said Gillespie refused medical treatment, and following a field sobriety test, the driver was placed under arrest. The suspect was transported to the Jones County Law Enforcement Center.
Shurley said blood was taken and warrants secured for Gillespie’s arrest.
