Rick Patrick
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
According to information from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Clayton Matthew Tomlinson, 33, of Live Oak, Fla., arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs on Saturday, Feb. 8. Tomlinson’s occupation is listed as an administrator with the Hamilton County School Board. According to the arrest report, at approximately 4:24 a.m., on Saturday, Feb. 8, a MCSO deputy was traveling eastbound on West Base Street, in Madison and observed a vehicle traveling towards the deputy, in the deputy’s lane of travel. The deputy reported that he had to veer out of his travel lane in order to avoid a head-on collision. The deputy turned around and activated his blue emergency light and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle, identified as a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, came to a stop and the deputy made contact with the driver, identified as Tomlinson. Upon contacting Tomlinson, the deputy detected the odor of alcohol emitting from the vehicle. While speaking with Tomlinson, the deputy observed him to have watery and bloodshot eyes, as well as a slower than normal speech pattern. When asked how much he’d had to drink, Tomlinson said “none” and attributed his driving to “being tired.”
Tomlinson was asked to exit the vehicle, which he did. When Tomlinson exited the Silverado, he was barefoot and the deputy said the smell of alcohol became stronger than it had been. The deputy told Tomlinson that he believed Tomlinson had been operating the motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and requested that Tomlinson take part in field sobriety exercises. Tomlinson refused to take part in the exercises, at which time he was placed in wrist restraints and advised that he was under arrest. Tomlinson was transported to the Madison County Jail. While at the jail, he was requested to provide a sample of his breath in order to determine its alcoholic content. Tomlinson was advised that if he refused, it would result in a suspension of his driving privileges for a year. Tomlinson continued to refuse and refused to sign the refusal form. Tomlinson was issued a citation for DUI first offense and was given a court date of Monday, March 3. Tomlinson was also given a citation for driving on the wrong side of the roadway.
Upon inspection of the Silverado, a cold six pack of beer was discovered, with one missing can. An opened box of cold alcoholic seltzers with multiple cans missing was also discovered in the Silverado.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.