Georgia Man Arrested for DUI and Threatening to Kill Officers

A Georgia man was arrested while wearing a nurse's uniform, who also threatened to kill officers during his arrest.

Daniel Mullis, age 41, of Kennesaw, GA initially attempted to run away from law enforcement when confronted. He was approached while standing at the side of a road near a damaged motorcycle. The incident occurred at around 11 p.m. on Jiles Road in Kennesaw.

Law enforcement was able to catch up with him rather quickly. When they did, they noticed a "strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath."  Police also described him as having red and watery eyes, as well as slurred speech.

Mullis refused to state whether he had been drinking during the day, and also refused to take field sobriety tests. He also failed to cooperate when law enforcement attempted to handcuff him.

On Mullis's person, law enforcement found two vials of Lorazepam and 36 Ziprasidone Hydrochloride capsules. Both are prescription drugs. Also found in his pocket was the handbrake to his damaged motorcycle. After his arrest, and upon entering the jail, Mullis allegedly threatened to kill the arresting officer if he ever appeared at the suspect's hospital.

The statement was made, and captured on body cam video. As a result of the encounter, and the threats, Mullis faces significant criminal charges.

He now faces three felony counts, including:

• two of possessing a controlled substance; and
• making terroristic threats.

If you or someone you care about has been arrested as the result a Georgia DUI charge, an experienced Georgia DUI defense attorney can defend your case and protect your constitutional rights.

Signs of Intoxication - The Effect of Drugs

Unlike with alcohol, intoxication as the result of drugs (legal or illegal), cannot be detected by a breathalyzer. This is true of both the roadside breathalyzer test and the breath test taken back at the police station. 

Instead, officers must rely on the "training" in how to detect the intoxicating effects of drugs. Signs officers look for include, but are not limited to:

• bloodshot eyes,
• glassy and watery eyes,
• slurred speech,
• inability to concentrate,
• aggressiveness,
• paranoia, and
• lack of focus.

How Officers Look for the Signs

Officers are able to look for signs of drug intoxication in a variety of ways, but a few are most prevalent. First, officers receive "training" both in their original officer training and subsequent training on how to look for the signs of intoxication.

Field sobriety tests are also the other way officers primarily look for this type of intoxication. These include:

• the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test,
• the Walk and Turn test, and
• the One Leg Balance Test.

However, field sobriety tests are notoriously inaccurate, as can be the observations officer's make from them. These observations may be used at trial against you, but they can be challenged with the help of an experienced DUI defense attorney.

Consult an Experienced Georgia DUI Defense Attorney

When facing charges of DUI, or other charges related to it, you must present a vigorous defense to protect your rights. An experienced Georgia DUI defense attorney can present that defense on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation.