Officer tells driver he can smell alcohol on him, driver says, "I can taste it as well."

By Travis Uresk

11/4/24

| Vernal, Ut. | November 3rd, 2024 |

Officer Escobedo with the Vernal City Police Department responded to a call involving a possible DUI subject.

The officer spotted the vehicle described by the complainant and conducted a traffic stop in which a Utah State driver's license identified 48-year-old Steven Travis Sharp.

Officer Escobedo asked Steven to step out of the vehicle, and while outside, the officer could smell a strong scent of alcohol coming from Steven's person.

As they spoke, Steven made several statements about having had alcohol. When getting out of the vehicle, he said, "I think I might be under the influence." Steven stated he had "four shots of gin" around 4:00 am. When Officer Escobedo mentioned he could smell the alcohol on him, Steven said, "I can taste it as well."

He then told the officer, "I love the gin, it's clear," and "I made a mistake."

Steven agreed to do the Field Sobriety Tests. The results of the test were:

HGN - observed 4 out of 6 clues (Lack of smooth pursuit, both eyes; maximum deviation, both eyes)

Nine step - observed 3 out of 8 clues (Could not keep balance, steps off line, and improper turn)

One leg - observed 2 out of 4 clues (Sways and puts foot down)

After conducting the HGN tests, Steven stated, "So far, I'm failing."

During the instruction phase of the nine steps, Steven stated, "I've been an alcoholic for thirty-plus years."

Steven stated in regards to the nine steps, "It's complicated if you've been drinking."

After submitting to a PBT (Portable Breath Test) Steven stated, "I'm above the limit before the results were processed."

Steven submitted it to a PBT, and the results were as follows: 0.211 BrAC.

Steven Sharp was arrested and transported to the Uintah County Jail, where he was booked for driving under the influence.

All the articles from 1nationjustice.com are from the affidavits of probable cause reports that the officers write. If you would like, you can get a copy of the report from the website below. It does cost money to get on the site and to open every document you want to read.

https://pubapps.utcourts.gov/XchangeWEB/XchangeWebServlet