Local News

Grants Pass Police arrested a motorist for impaired driving, drug possession and other moving violations during a downtown traffic stop early yesterday.

According to the Police Department, officers contacted the driver of a black SUV near the corner of NE 7th and F streets on Tuesday shortly after 10 a.m..

Police said they received a 9-1-1 call from a citizen was reported the suspect had fallen asleep behind the wheel of his vehicle at 5th and G streets. While in contact with dispatchers, the caller followed the suspect and advised the man was unable to maintain his travel lane and kept stopping in the middle of the street.

Responding officers made contact with the 57-year-old man who was unconscious for multiple traffic light cycles and did not wake up until they were able to put the vehicle in park and shut it off. He performed poorly in field sobriety tests and was determined to be highly impaired. Methamphetamine was found inside his SUV.

The suspect reportedly was unable to recall where he came from or where he was going. He was subsequently charged with Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, Meth Possession, No Operator's License and No Insurance. He was cited to appear in court and released to staff at the Grants Pass Sobering Center.