Dawson Garrett Scherer, 19, of Chattooga County, was arrested early last Thursday morning on charges of DUI Under 21 and various traffic offenses following a single-vehicle accident on Airport Road.

According to the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Benjamin Mollohan responded to a vehicle accident at 77 Airport Road at approximately 3:59 AM. Upon arrival at approximately 4:10 AM, Deputy Mollohan observed a 2013 Nissan Rogue (GA TEG7676) with significant front-end damage in the roadway. The driver, identified as Scherer, was found in the driver’s seat with his head in his hands. Deputy Mollohan reported that Scherer was slurring his words and initially claimed someone attempted to steal his vehicle. After exiting the vehicle, Scherer was observed to be unsteady on his feet and nearly fell, using the vehicle for support.

Scherer’s account of the accident allegedly changed multiple times.

Further investigation by Deputy A. Garmany revealed damage to a fence in the 700-800 block of Airport Road, consistent with the damage to Scherer’s vehicle. Scherer was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.

He was read Georgia’s implied consent laws for individuals under 21 and reportedly agreed to blood alcohol testing and was booked into the Chattooga County Jail on DUI charges and failure to report striking a fixture.