The driver, Michael Anthony Owens, was assisted by Cartersville police after his accident. The responding officer reported Owens had slurred speech and contradicting answers when asked questions about the incident.
Owens told the officer he had swerved to miss an animal in the roadway and struck a tree. Shortly thereafter he told the officer that he was surprised that hitting a dog would cause that much damage to his vehicle.
The officer continued to get vague and incorrect answers for the questions he was asking, including if the driver was impaired. According to reports, when the officer asked Owens if he suffered any physical impairment to his back, hips, legs, ankles or feet, he responded first by saying "no" before changing his answer. When the officer asked which of the impairments Owens suffered from, the suspect responded by "mechanically" repeating, "my back, hips, legs and ankles." Similarly incoherent answers were also given regarding the driver's native language and education.
After refusing to cooperate with a field sobriety test or chemical test for alcohol, Owens was placed under arrest and cited for failure to maintain lane, failure to notify owner upon striking a fixture and driving under the influence of alcohol. After processing, Owens was released on bond.