A man advised by a deputy not to drive his vehicle due to a suspended license was arrested later that evening after the same deputy found him driving again.
On Oct. 30 a deputy on his way to work noticed a vehicle sitting alone by the pay phone at the Starrsville Chevron. When he approached the vehicle a man, identified as 30-year-old Justin Franklin Hanson, reportedly exited the driver’s side, and when asked what he was doing, he allegedly said he was having a problem with a tire and pointed to the driver’s side rear tire. The tire was pumped up, but the rim was dented and there was damage to the rear quarter panel as well, according to reports.
Hanson reportedly told the deputy a female had been driving the vehicle, and she had left to go get help. When asked for his license he allegedly told the deputy his license was suspended but produced a Florida ID card. The deputy advised him not to drive and left Hanson at the gas station at 10:38 p.m.
At 1:38 a.m. the same deputy was on patrol and noticed the same vehicle and Hanson sitting at a payphone at a different gas station. The deputy reportedly asked Hanson what was going on and he reportedly said he was looking for change to get air for the same tire which was still full of air.
Hanson allegedly gave the deputy the same story about a female who had been driving leaving to go get help. The deputy told Hanson he did not buy the same story twice. He also could reportedly smell an odor of alcohol coming from Hanson’s breath which the deputy did not notice earlier, according to reports.
According to the deputy’s report, Hanson appeared to be antsy and nervous and kept moving about and could not stay still. Hanson allegedly asked the deputy if he had any quarters so he could just get the car home.
Hanson was asked to empty his pockets, and the deputy reportedly told him he was being arrested for public drunkenness. Hanson allegedly asked for an alcohol sensor test, telling the deputy he was not drunk. The deputy informed him he could not give him that test because of where they were. The deputy pulled Hanson’s left arm behind him in order to place him in handcuffs and Hanson reportedly jerked around, shoving the deputy down and cutting his thumb.
According to reports, Hanson then fled the scene on foot and ran down Ga. Highway 212 heading east. The Porterdale Police Department assisted the Newton County Sheriff’s Department by bringing their dog to the scene.
The K-9 officer tracked Hanson into a wooded area north of the service station on Ga. Highway 81 south. The dog was able to lead deputies to where Hanson was hiding in the bushes.
Removed from his vehicle was a soft drink bottle that allegedly contained a clear liquid inside that reeked of alcohol and from Hanson’s pockets the deputy reportedly recovered a digital scale and, inside of Hanson’s wallet, what appeared to be a rolled joint of marijuana.
Hanson was arrested and transported to the Newton County Detention Center where he was charged with obstructing police/resisting arrest, interference with government property, possession of marijuana less than one ounce, DUI, driving on a suspended license and open container.
