Jarrett Griggs, 46, of Huntsville, was charged with improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle and operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 12.
About 4:50 p.m., officers of the Russells Point Police Department were dispatched to a reckless vehicle complaint about 4:50 p.m. involving a vehicle heading westbound on U.S. Route 33 from State Route274.
The vehicle was described as a Ford pickup, driving at a high rate of speed and having trouble maintaining their lane. The caller added they believed this was a road rage incident.
Shortly after receiving the dispatch, officers observed the vehicle on U.S. 33 near Lincoln Boulevard. After observing the vehicle and confirming the complainant’s observations, a traffic stop was conducted.
While speaking with the driver, Griggs, officers immediately smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his person. Due to the smell of alcohol and his admission to drinking, officers asked him to exit the vehicle to conduct standard field sobriety testing.
As the driver was exiting the vehicle he told officers he had a loaded firearm underneath his jacket in a holster located in his pants. Officers removed the firearm, as well as two loaded magazines, from the driver’s person for officer safety.
Griggs reportedly failed the sobriety tests and officers determined he should not have been operating a motor vehicle. He was placed under arrest.
Officers located an open 12 pack of Mountain Dew Hard Seltzers, a handle of Tito’s Vodka, and several empty Hard Seltzer cans inside the vehicle.