A Shreveport man was arrested on charges of driving while intoxicated and hit-and-run after allegedly leaving the scene of a single-vehicle crash on an Interstate 20 exit ramp in Minden.
Ronald Eugene Garner, 54, was arrested October 31 after Minden police responded to a crash on the westbound Exit 47B ramp at approximately 5:16 AM.
According to the Minden Police Department report, a witness told officers the driver had fled the scene on foot before police arrived. The witness described the driver as wearing a red T-shirt and jeans and reportedly stumbling as he walked away.
Officers located Garner walking up the ramp toward Sibley Road. Police reported that he exhibited several signs of impairment, including glossy eyes, slurred speech, unsteady footing, and a strong odor of alcohol on his breath.
After being advised of his Miranda rights, Garner reportedly told officers the crash occurred because he was following his GPS rather than because he was impaired.
Garner said he was traveling to pick up his brother from jail, believing his brother was scheduled to be released at midnight. Police noted that Garner acknowledged the time was approximately 5:30 AM.
He also reportedly admitted drinking two beers earlier that night.
During standardized field sobriety testing, Garner allegedly demonstrated multiple signs of impairment, including difficulty maintaining his balance, following instructions, and completing the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests.
Garner was transported to the Minden Police Department, where he refused to provide an adequate breath sample for the Intoxilyzer.
During a subsequent interview, Garner reportedly changed his account, claiming he had not been driving the vehicle and identifying another individual as the driver. Police said he could not provide information supporting that claim.
The vehicle, a 2006 Ford pickup, sustained significant damage to its front end and was removed from the scene by a towing company.
Garner was booked on charges of first-offense driving while intoxicated and hit-and-run driving. Bond was set at $2,000.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.