An Atoka man was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI) early Monday morning after police observed his vehicle swerving on Highway 69.
According to a report by Officer Russell O’Neal of the Atoka Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 2:29 AM. Officer O’Neal was traveling south on Highway 69 near Court Street when he observed a blue Chevrolet singlecab pickup truck cross over the center lane divider line and then swerve back into the outside lane. The vehicle repeated this action two more times, prompting Officer O’Neal to initiate a traffic stop.
The pickup truck turned right onto West 4th Street and came to a stop. Officer Blackwood arrived to assist with the stop. Officer O’Neal approached the driver, identified as Clinton Mowdy. There were also two passengers in the vehicle: Ashley Ward in the middle seat and James Ward in the passenger seat.
While speaking with Mowdy, Officer O’Neal reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol emanating from the vehicle. He also observed Mowdy to have slurred speech, bloodshot watery eyes, and delayed motor skills. When asked if he had been drinking, Mowdy initially denied it but later admitted to consuming three beers approximately 45 minutes prior. Officer O’Neal also noted dried blood on Mowdy’s ear and forehead, as well as scratches on his left forearm, which Mowdy stated were from a fight in Coalgate. Mowdy declined medical attention.
Mowdy was asked to exit the vehicle and reportedly appeared unsteady on his feet, using the truck for balance. He consented to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs). During the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, Officer O’Neal observed bloodshot, watery eyes and noted nystagmus indicative of impairment.
Due to Mowdy’s instability, the remaining balance exercises were not conducted. Mowdy then consented to a Preliminary Breath Test (PBT), which registered a result of 0.196. Mowdy was subsequently placed under arrest for suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
The passengers, Ashley Ward and James Ward, also appeared to be intoxicated, exhibiting unsteadiness and slurred speech. James Ward admitted to drinking a six-pack of beer. When officers attempted to place Ashley Ward in handcuffs, she resisted but was eventually secured with assistance from a Lighthorse Police Officer. Both Ashley and James Ward were arrested for public intoxication.
Mowdy was transported to the Atoka Medical Center for a blood test and to have his injuries examined before being taken to the Atoka County Jail for booking. While at the medical facility, officers were informed that Ashley Ward had allegedly assaulted a jail staff member.
