A traffic stop for a tag light violation last weekend led to the arrest of Jose Luis-Agela Sandoval for driving under the influence (DUI), according to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office. Cpl. Villagomez was observing traffic on Highway 48 near Jamestown Road in Menlo when he noticed a dark-colored Mustang pass by with non-functioning tag lights. The traffic stop was initiated, and the vehicle pulled over at the intersection of Highway 48 and Highway 337.

Upon approaching the vehicle, a deputy made contact with the driver, who identified himself as Jose Luis-Agela Sandoval and presented a passport/ID card from Mexico. Sandoval stated he was headed back to Atlanta. As Sandoval exited the vehicle, the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol on his breath and observed illegally tinted windows on the Mustang. When asked how much he had to drink, Sandoval reportedly stated he had consumed “three beers” earlier that day. Due to Sandoval’s primary language being Spanish, deputies contacted a translator on the E-911 line for assistance.

During a Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test administered by Cpl. Villagomez, Sandoval displayed four out of six clues indicative of alcohol impairment: lack of smooth pursuit in each eye and distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation for both eyes. His eyes were also observed to be bloodshot and glossy and did not converge. Sandoval was then read the implied consent notice for individuals aged 21 or older by Chavez, and he agreed to a blood draw. EMS personnel arrived on the scene and performed the blood draw.

Jose Luis-Agela Sandoval was subsequently transported to the Chattooga County Jail and charged with DUI (alcohol) and associated traffic offenses.