A multi-agency traffic safety checkpoint conducted in Chattooga County resulted in the arrest of a local man on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol. John William Silvers, 40, was taken into custody after sheriff’s deputies and assisting officers observed signs of impairment and located an open alcoholic beverage in his vehicle.

According to a report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office released this past Friday, the checkpoint was established on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at approximately 11:12 PM, on Old Highway 27 at W. Halls Valley Road, adjacent to the B and B Market. The operation was approved by Chief Woods (SO 02) and conducted by Cpl. Villagomez (SO 07) and Deputy Reynolds (SO 14) of the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from Trion Police Officers Railey and Peace.

During the checkpoint, Mr. Silvers drove his vehicle to the designated stop point. Deputy Reynolds, upon interacting with Silvers, reportedly detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath and alerted Cpl. Villagomez.

Cpl. Villagomez then engaged with Silvers, also noting the smell of alcohol. Silvers was instructed to pull into the parking lot of the B and B Market. As he exited his vehicle, Silvers reportedly stated that he had been drinking earlier.

When asked to consent to field sobriety evaluations, Silvers initially declined, stating, “I’m not consenting to anything!” However, he did agree to undergo the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) examination. Before administering the test, Cpl. Villagomez confirmed Silvers had no medical issues or was diabetic. During the HGN test, Cpl. Villagomez detected four out of six possible clues for impairment, including a lack of smooth pursuit and distinct and sustained nystagmus at maximum deviation in both eyes.

Silvers subsequently refused to participate in the Walk and Turn or One Leg Stand examinations, and also refused a preliminary breath test.

Based on observations of Silvers’ slurred speech, bloodshot and glossy eyes, the strong odor of alcohol, and the results of the HGN test, Cpl. Villagomez placed him under arrest for DUI-Alcohol.

Silvers was then read the Implied Consent Notice for suspects 21 or over, but he declined to provide a blood sample. A search of the vehicle’s front driver and passenger seats, conducted after the arrest, revealed a purple “White Claw” alcoholic beverage in the passenger seat, which was open and cool to the touch.

John William Silvers was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident and was served an Administrative License Suspension (ALS) due to his refusal of a blood draw. He faces charges of DUI-Alcohol (Misdemeanor) and other traffic offenses.