A report by citizens of a reckless driver on Interstate 20 last Tuesday led to the arrest of a Shreveport man by the Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Several complaints were received about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night of a Honda CRV driving erratically. Callers reported the Honda had run one car off the road into the median.
Deputies located the Honda driving at a high rate of speed eastbound on I-20 near the 83-mile marker. The vehicle was seen making multiple lane changes traveling between 80-90 miles per hour. Once a deputy tried to stop the vehicle, it began weaving from side to side across both lanes of travel for about two miles before pulling over near the La. Highway 33 exit ramp.
When the driver, John M. Williamson, 76, stepped out of the vehicle, he immediately lost his balance and fell face first into the payment resulting in deep cuts on his head and hands.
Deputies and Ruston Police rendered aid while waiting for Ruston Ambulance Service. During that time, the odors of alcoholic beverages and burning marijuana were detected on Williamson.
Williamson was transported to the North Louisiana Medical Center for treatment. A check of Williamson’s car discovered a half-empty bottle of Kentucky Deluxe Whiskey on the floorboard and a partially smoked marijuana cigarette in the ashtray.
At the emergency room, Williamson was asked by medical staff if he had been drinking, and he replied, “more than I should have.” After treatment. Williamson was able to walk a short distance but needed the wall for support and was unable to perform field sobriety tests. A blood sample was collected for lab analysis.
After his discharge, Williamson was taken to the Lincoln Parish Detention Center where he was booked for DWI first offense, reckless operation of a vehicle, open container, and possession of marijuana.
