One charged in July 14 wreck

A driver has been charged after his vehicle hit an Exxon gas station sign on July 14.

According to Georgia State Patrol, James Mack Garrett, 46, of Cleveland, was driving a 2003 Ford Explorer northbound on U.S. 129 just south of Underwood Farm Road, when the vehicle went off the road to the right. The vehicle crossed over a driveway and continued on the shoulder before hitting a small concrete pillar, according to the GSP report. The vehicle continued toward the parking lot of the Exxon gas station at 1955 U.S. 129. The front left part of the vehicle hit a utility pole, which caused it to overturn. The Explorer then hit the gas station sign, where it came to a stop on its roof under the sign.

GSP stated that Garrett complained of an injury, but was not transported by EMS. In the incident report, a GSP trooper said Garrett told him he was driving home for a family emergency. Garrett also reportedly said he did not drink and had not used any illegal substances, and he had taken a prescribed medication. Garrett was taken into custody after the trooper conducted a field sobriety test. The GSP accident report listed the driver as suspected of being under the influence of drugs. A report indicated blood was drawn for a pending test.

Garrett was charged with failure to maintain lane and driving under the influence, according to GSP.