Sheriff's Reports 3-18-25: Suspected drunk driver arrested after crashing into tree

A man was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence after he crashed into a tree.

On March 15, Cherokee County Sheriff's Deputy Cassondra Jones was dispatched to reports of a single-vehicle crash on South Cary Lane and East 770 Road. The deputy arrived to find the damaged vehicle and the driver, Steven Zachary Carr. Carr said he was driving past a truck, lost control, and struck a tree. Jones approached the driver of the truck and he said he wasn't involved in the crash, but witnessed what happened and stopped to help. Deputy Jaxon Thomlinson spoke with Carr and advised Jones that there was an odor of alochol coming from the driver. Carr was arrested after a field sobriety test and booked for aggravated driving under the influence.

Deputy Carl Smith was patrolling the area of North 460 Road March 3 when he observed a vehicle traveling with its signal light on. Smith ran the tag information and it showed the tag expired in August 2023. Dispatch advised the driver's license was revoked and there was no up-to-date insurance to the vehicle. The deputy conducted a traffic stop and met with the driver, Tommie Deckard. Smith could see a beer can in the cupholder and asked Deckard how man of those he consumed. Deckard reportedly said he had three. Deckard was arrested after a field sobriety test and booked for driving under the influence, driving under revocation, no insurance, possession of marijuana, and taxes due state.

On March 15, Deputy Austin Carver was assisting Deputy Seth Morgan with a reckless driver call when he observed the suspected vehicle eastbound on 810 Road. Dispatch advised that the caller stated Daxton Lopez was leaving her house, driving "crazy," and possibly intoxicated. Carver could see the rear wheel with no tire, causing sparks on the road. Carver activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop; however, Lopez supposedly picked up his speed and failed to yield to the deputy. Morgan was parked in a driveway near the intersection of 810 Road and Bald Hill Road. Lopez passed Morgan and began to slow down and came to a stop. Morgan and Carver conducted a felony take down and ordered Lopez out of the vehicle. Lopez stepped out and was detained. Carver said there was an odor of alochol coming from the 19-year-old. Lopez was arrested and booked for eluding.

Lt. Tanner Hendley and Deputy Justin Richardson were dispatched to Killabrew Road March 16 after dispatchers heard multiple men yelling, saying one of them was assaulted and asking for help before the call disconnected. Deputies met with the victim, who had cuts to his face and was covered in blood. The man accused a family member and Grover Westley Howard of assaulting him during an argument. He said both men went to a house on the back side of the property. Deputies met with Howard, who had blood on his face, hands, and jeans. The other man who was accused of assaulting the victim was not located. Grover allegedly said he was trying to defuse the situation when he was struck in his jaw. He said he defended himself, blacked out, and didn't remember fighting with the victim. Howard was arrested and booked for assault and battery.

These are arrests, not convictions.