On May 25th 2025, I, Game Warden Powell, was patrolling Lake Chicot. While on patrol, I noticed a vessel operating in a manner that was in violation of with the hazardous wake code (27-101-202(2)).
After noticing the vessel, and identifying the driver, I was able to make contact with the aforementioned vessel at the City Front access on Lake Chicot. While speaking with the members on board the vessel, an obvious odor of intoxicants (alcohol) was emitting form the vessel.
At this point, I asked the driver the vessel, later identified as Mr. Wright, if there was adequate number of life vest on board. Mr. Wright advised that there were. While speaking with Mr. Wright, I could smell a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his breath. After noticing the smell, I asked Mr. Wright to remove his sunglasses.
Once the sunglasses were removed, I noticed that his eyes appeared to be bloodshot and watery. At this point, I asked Mr. Wright to perform a preliminary breath test, in which he failed. It should be noted that Mr. Wright advised that he would not be able to pass the PBT test. Once the test was failed, I conducted field sobriety on Mr. Wright.
The first test given in Standardized Field Sobriety is the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus Test. I advised Mr. Wright of the proper instructions for the test, and then began my evaluation. Mr. Wright stated that hen did not take any medication or have any injuries that i should be aware about. During the test, Mr. Wright demonstrated 4/5 clues for the test. These clues are as follows: lack of smooth pursuit (both eyes) as well distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation (both eyes).
The second test given in Standardized Field Sobriety is the Walk & Turn Test. In this test, I advised Mr. Wright of the proper positioning for the instructions phase, and he stated that he understood the instructions given for this test. However Mr. Wright lost his balance while standing in the directed position before beginning the test, showing one clue of impairment. Once Mr. Wright was advised that he could begin the test, he missed heel to toe and then stepped off line. These two instances demonstrated two more clues of impairment.
The final test given in the Standardized Filed Sobriety is the One Leg Stand Test. In this test, Mr. Wright was given the proper instructions and stated that he understood what he was asked to do Mr. Wright did not show any verified signs of impairment, but it should be noted that he miscounted and that he only counted to “23” in a 30 second test.
Once all the test were completed, and an opinion was formed on the intoxication level of Mr. Wright, he was placed under arrest and taken to the Chicot County Sheriff’s Office. Mr. Wright was advised of his rights and signed that he understood and would take the BAC test. Mr. Wright completed the test, and the results were a .11 BAC. Mr. Wright was issued the appropriate citations for the offenses and then released to a sober driver. There is nothing further to report.
