On Thursday, Deputy Atkinson observed a vehicle traveling west on Sparta Highway with burnt-out tag lights and crossing over the center line multiple times. Upon observing this, he initiated a traffic stop at the Pomona Market.

While speaking with the driver who identified himself as Zachary Slaven, the Deputy observed slurred speech. When asked if Slaven had consumed any alcoholic beverages before driving, he admitted he had consumed three whiskey mixed drinks within the hour when he got off work at Beef and Barrel.

Atkinson then asked Slaven to exit the vehicle where he noticed the smell of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath. He then asked Slaven if he would be willing to perform a standardized field sobriety test, but he refused.

Therefore Slaven was placed into custody for suspicion of DUI based on the deputy’s training and experience. While walking Slaven to the patrol car, the deputy observed him to be very unstable on his feet.

Slaven was transported to the Cumberland County intake facility for booking where a search warrant was obtained for two vials of whole blood.