A 56-year-old local man, Bryan Keith Sparkman, was arrested last week, following a traffic stop that led to charges including driving without a valid license, defective equipment, failure to maintain lane, and possession of an open container.

According to a report filed by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began in Trion when a deputy observed a silver Nissan Pathfinder on Fourth Street turning from Allgood Street with its backup lights stuck in the “on” position. After following the vehicle, the deputy noted the Pathfinder also traveled left of the center line before correcting its course. The deputy conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Fourth Street and First Street. Upon approaching the driver, identified as Bryan Keith Sparkman, a white male, he was asked for his license. Sparkman reportedly presented a “CP license,” indicating a learner’s permit, and was driving alone without a licensed driver present, a violation of permit restrictions.

When questioned about the driving infractions, Sparkman reportedly attributed the weaving to “a lot of play in the steering wheel” and the faulty backup lights to “a short in the wiring.” During the stop, the deputy observed an open container of Smirnoff Ice behind the driver’s seat. When asked if he had been drinking, Sparkman stated that his “buddy was drinking and put it back there,” admitting he had “one drink earlier.”

Sparkman was charged with driving without a license, defective taillight, failure to maintain a single lane and open container of alcohol and was booked into the Chattooga County Jail.