HALL COUNTY, Ga. — Newly released records from the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) reveal Hall County Sheriff Gerald Couch’s blood alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit when he was arrested for driving under the influence last week.
A state trooper took Couch into custody on Feb. 27 after Couch was pulled over in his driveway by his own chief deputy. The state trooper charged the career law enforcement officer with driving under the influence, failure to maintain lane, and possession of an open container.
According to Hall County Sheriff’s Office radio traffic, GSP was called to the scene regarding a “DUI” and was asked to respond “ASAP.”
GSP report provides new details
Head told the responding trooper that he and Hall County Sheriff’s Capt. James Alexander were going to pick up Couch’s county vehicle due to the sheriff having “some alcohol issues.” On their way, they noticed a black Chevrolet Tahoe turn off of Dawsonville Highway, failing to maintain its lane and driving “all over the roadway.” However, Head said he was unable to conduct a traffic stop because his vehicle is not outfitted with emergency equipment.
At some point, Head said he realized the vehicle they were following was possibly the sheriff’s. The Tahoe pulled into Couch’s driveway, and Couch exited the vehicle. Head told troopers the sheriff smelled of alcohol and was unsteady on his feet, dropping his phone and money he had with him.
Sheriff tells troopers about his morning
In the report, GSP Sgt. Hedden reported detecting a “strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting” from Couch’s breath. When asked about the incident, Couch allegedly stated he had been drinking and that he had “screwed up.” Couch admitted to drinking “Locos,” referring to Four Loko, and said his last drink was at approximately 8 a.m.
Sheriff Couch reportedly denied having any open containers in his vehicle and reportedly consented to performing a standardized field sobriety test.
Field evaluations reveal level of intoxication
During the evaluation, Hedden said he observed Couch swaying and noted “a lack of smooth pursuit” during the sheriff’s eye test, formally referred to as the horizontal gaze nystagmus evaluation. Couch, who said he was an instructor for the evaluation, reportedly stopped following the officer’s finger multiple times.
Hedden reported that the remaining evaluation could not be performed due to cracks in the pavement, wet ground, and an uneven surface.
A preliminary breath test reportedly yielded a result of 0.212, well over the .008 legal limit for drunk driving. While being arrested, Couch allegedly appealed to the state trooper, “Please do not do this,” as Hedden notified dispatch that Couch was in custody.
Vehicle search results in additional charge
A search of Couch’s county-assigned vehicle revealed “two 24-ounce Bahama Mama alcoholic beverages in the second row,” both of which were open with liquid still inside. Couch reportedly told the trooper he “did not have to charge him for the open containers.”
The report stated that, while being placed in the back of the trooper’s vehicle, Couch said, “My goodness, 43 years,” referring to his law enforcement career. He then reportedly asked the trooper not to take him to jail.
Trooper Hedden arrested Couch at 12:21 p.m. and transported him to a fire station, where EMTs drew the sheriff’s blood to test his blood alcohol content.
Couch was later booked into the Hall County Detention Center on a $1,560 bond and released to Maj. Smith. According to the sheriff’s office, Couch posted bond and was released from jail six hours later.
