A Hot Springs man was arrested early Thursday morning for driving while intoxicated and refusing to submit to a chemical test after his vehicle crashed into the porch of a local residence.
Douglass Gandy Jenkens, 42, who lists a West Lazy Leaf address, was taken into custody around 12:30 a.m. Thursday and charged with DWI, second offense, punishable to up to one year in jail, and refusal to submit to a chemical test.
Jenkens remained in custody Thursday on $1,500 bond and is set to appear today in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Garland County sheriff's Deputy Charles DeLaHunt was dispatched to 116 Pistol Circle in reference to a "vehicle versus house" call.
DeLaHunt saw a black Jeep with heavy damage to the front driver's side of the vehicle. He noticed tire marks leading from the road to the residence where the Jeep had reportedly struck the front porch. The homeowner stated the damage could be up to $5,000 or more.
The driver, identified as Jenkens, had to be pulled from the vehicle because the driver's door could not be opened due to damage from the wreck.
DeLaHunt noted a strong odor of intoxicants on Jenkens' breath and that he had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Lifenet personnel arrived to check on Jenkens and he reportedly refused medical treatment.
The deputy performed three field sobriety tests on Jenkens and he reportedly failed all of them. He then submitted to a portable breathalyzer test and reportedly registered 0.191 percent blood alcohol, more than twice the legal limit. Once at the Garland County Detention Center, Jenkens was reportedly complaining about the situation and made two failed attempts to take additional breath tests, resulting in the refusal to submit charge.
Court records indicate Jenkens was previously convicted of DWI on March 16 in Hope District Court.
Local on 06/22/2018