A Summerville man was arrested on multiple traffic charges after a Summerville Police Department officer observed a vehicle speeding and repeatedly crossing into another lane on Highway 48.

According to a report from the Summerville Police Department, Officer Brock Campbell was parked at Mason’s Funeral Home on Saturday, October 31, around 8:49 PM when he observed a vehicle traveling northbound on Highway 48 at what appeared to be a high rate of speed.

Campbell checked the vehicle’s speed at 55 miles per hour in a posted 35-mile-per-hour zone. After following the vehicle, the officer reported observing it cross into the center turn lane approximately three times.

The driver turned onto Commerce Street, where Campbell initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle eventually stopped near the intersection of Commerce Street and East Washington Street, nearly striking a parked vehicle, according to the report.

The driver was identified as 39-year-old Santos Ramirez Velasquez of Summerville. Campbell reported that Ramirez Velasquez had bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and difficulty following instructions. The officer also observed an open container of alcohol in the passenger compartment.

Ramirez Velasquez reportedly admitted drinking four or five beers before driving. Following field sobriety testing, Campbell placed him under arrest.

Ramirez Velasquez was transported to the Chattooga County Jail and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a valid license, speeding, failure to maintain lane and an open container violation.

The charges are allegations, and Ramirez Velasquez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.