Opinion ID: 2635293
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Hartman's Arrest

Text: On August 29, 2003, State Trooper Tim Tuckwood responded to a report from Tim Somerlot, a Delta Junction resident, that a group of juveniles had abandoned a car in a ditch and left the scene in a tan Ford Taurus-type vehicle. According to Somerlot, the group consisted of two males and two females. Tuckwood investigated the abandoned vehicle, finding that it was a dented, white Honda Accord with fluid leaking from the radiator. The windows were open, and Tuckwood noticed that the interior had a strong odor of alcohol. Although the car had no license plate, Tuckwood ran the vehicle identification number and determined that it belonged to John Hartman, who lived nearby. After unsuccessfully attempting to contact Hartman, Tuckwood called a towing company. Before the tow truck arrived, Tuckwood saw a small tan vehicle similar to a Ford Taurus [drive] by, and noticed that several people were in the car. One of the passengers was Morgan Hartman, the son of John Hartman. Tuckwood stopped the car and questioned Hartman. According to Tuckwood, Hartman appeared to be intoxicated, due to a strong odor of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a stagger[ing] step. He failed three roadside sobriety tests, and refused to take any others. When asked about the Honda, Hartman admitted to having driven it, and said that he had parked it in the ditch when the radiator overheated. According to Tuckwood, Hartman claimed to have been alone when driving, but two of the passengers from the Ford Taurus maintained that they had been in the Honda when Hartman was driving. One of the passengers, Mariah Morris, said that she knew Hartman was intoxicated. [1] Tuckwood arrested Hartman for driving while under the influence. A breath sample taken from Hartman showed an alcohol concentration of .158g/210L, an amount substantially higher than the legal limit of .08. Hartman declined to take a second test, and was issued a citation for underage drinking. Before being released on bail, he was given notice that his license would be suspended, and informed that he could challenge the suspension at an administrative hearing.