26-year-old Travarius McDowell was charged with driving under the influence and on a suspended license after he fell asleep at the wheel and then proceeded to pull into a driveway claiming that his girlfriend lived there.
On September 6th, Montgomery County Police Officer Harrington received a call for service regarding a blue Nissan Altima with a male sleeping at the intersection of Whitfield Road and Old Trenton Road. As the officer approached the stop sign, the Altima was already turned around and went past the patrol vehicle at a high rate of speed. As the officer turned around several seconds later the Altima made a U-turn and hit the ditch as he drove back toward the patrol vehicle again. Officer Harrington got behind the vehicle and initiated his emergency equipment at which point the vehicle pulled into a driveway and Travarius McDowell got out. As Travarius walked towards the front door, the officer stated “get back here” and “stop”.
Travarius stopped and explained that he was waiting for his girlfriend to get home because he did not have a key to the house. Officer Harrington noted that while he spoke to Travarius he observed red blood-shot eyes, slurred speech, and an alcoholic beverage odor emitting from his person. The officer asked him if he would perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests to ensure that he was capable of operating a vehicle, which Travarius refused. Officer Harrington placed Travarius in custody and contact was made with the homeowners of the house he pulled into. The homeowners stated that they had no idea who Travarius was. He admitted to having several beers and a margarita before he left his house and also admitted to falling asleep behind the wheel. He was transferred to Tennova Hospital after he consented to provide a blood sample for chemical testing. This is Travarius’ second DUI offense.
Travarius McDowell was arrested and charged with driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license. His bond was set at $6,000.
