A Mississippi man was arrested in Summerville after a police officer reported observing a vehicle traveling well above the posted speed limit during the early morning hours of July 31.

According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, Officer B. Campbell was in the area of Highway 114 and Given Street at approximately 3:52 a.m. when he observed a white Dodge Grand Caravan traveling southbound on Highway 114.

Campbell reported that his in-car radar indicated the vehicle was traveling 63 mph in a 45 mph zone. The officer initiated a traffic stop near Highway 114 and Azalea Drive.

The driver was identified as Edward Earl Porter, 36, of Heidelberg, Mississippi.

According to the report, Campbell noticed what he described as a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from inside the vehicle. The officer also reported observing bloodshot eyes and slurred speech.

Police said Porter told the officer he had consumed alcohol and agreed to perform some field sobriety testing. Following the investigation, Campbell determined Porter was allegedly less safe to operate a motor vehicle and placed him under arrest.

During an inventory search of the vehicle, police reported finding approximately eight open containers of alcoholic beverages, including a backpack in the front passenger area containing six open containers.

Porter was transported to the Chattooga County Jail. The Summerville Police Department report lists charges of DUI – Alcohol Less Safe, Speeding and Open Container Violation.

All charges are accusations, and Porter is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.