Around 10:28 PM on February 18, 2022, Officer Franco Videla with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department observed a 2016 Ford failing to maintain its lane in the vicinity of Epps Bridge Parkway. He initiated a traffic stop, and the vehicle pulled over at the intersection of Epps Bridge Parkway and the Abbey West apartment complex. Officer Videla made contact with the driver, who was identified as 22-year-old Emily Hester. Emily told him that she had just left work at LongHorn Steakhouse and eventually admitted to consuming 1 strawberry margarita.

Based on his suspicion of impairment, Officer Videla asked Emily to exit the vehicle and perform field sobriety exercises. He started with the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, and he observed a lack of smooth pursuit, distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation, and the onset of nystagmus prior to 45 degrees. He also observed vertical nystagmus, indicating a high level of alcohol consumption. The second exercise was the Walk and Turn test. Except for her improper turn, Emily completed the Walk and Turn satisfactorily. The final exercise was the One Leg Stand exercise. During the One Leg Stand exercise, Emily failed to count as she was instructed to do so and put her foot down towards the end of the exercise. Just to ensure accuracy, Officer Videla administered the HGN test again after another officer turned off the flashing lights.

Based on her driving patterns, her admission to consuming alcohol, and her inability to adequately complete all the field sobriety exercises, Officer Videla placed Emily under arrest for driving under the influence. After she was placed under arrest, she was transported by Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center (PARMC) for a blood draw. After the blood draw was complete, Officer Videla transported her to the Clarke County Jail. Officer Videla issued Emily the following summonses: DUI – Alcohol – Less Safe and Failure to Maintain Lane
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