An Atoka man was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence Friday night after a traffic stop for failing to stop at a stop sign. The incident unfolded after police were initially called to a reported disturbance on East B Street.
According to a report by Atoka Police Officer Christian Shomo, he was dispatched to a fight in progress on East B Street around 8:40 PM. Upon arrival, the reporting party informed him the male involved had already left.
Shortly after, Atoka Police Sgt. James Riley conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of 1st Street and Ohio for a vehicle that failed to stop at the stop sign at Ohio and East Court Street. Sgt. Riley believed the driver might have been involved in the earlier disturbance.
Officer Shomo arrived at the traffic stop and identified the driver as Tuker Standridge. Sgt. Riley reportedly suspected Standridge was under the influence, noting an odor of alcohol and that Standridge was unsteady on his feet after exiting the vehicle.
When Officer Shomo approached Standridge, who was on his cell phone and exhibiting slurred speech, he observed Standridge leaning against his vehicle. Asked about alcohol consumption, Standridge allegedly stated he had not had any.
However, Officer Shomo noted Standridge's bloodshot, watery, and dilated eyes, and the odor of alcohol reportedly intensified as he spoke. Standridge refused to provide a preliminary breath sample and also declined to perform Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.
Officer Shomo then advised Standridge he was under arrest for suspicion of driving under the influence. While standing, Standridge was reportedly swaying. He was placed in the back of the patrol unit.
Officer Shomo again approached Standridge to read the State Implied Consent Test, which Standridge also refused. While speaking with him, Officer Shomo reported a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the back seat, and Standridge's speech remained significantly slurred.
An inventory of Standridge's vehicle allegedly revealed an open BuzzBall alcoholic beverage, approximately one-quarter full, in the front cup holder, as well as an unopened BuzzBall in a cold brown paper sack on the front passenger seat.
Standridge was transported to the Atoka County Jail without further incident.
