Chattooga County Sheriff Mark Schrader has released a detailed statement addressing public concerns surrounding the arrest of Billy Joe Dooley following a crash Friday evening that resulted in DUI charges.
According to Sheriff Schrader, a deputy was first dispatched around 4:15 p.m. to the intersection of Back Penn Road and Highway 27 in reference to a two-vehicle crash in which one vehicle struck another at a stop sign, causing minor damage. The drivers moved their vehicles to a nearby parking lot, where Deputy Mollohan conducted the investigation.
During that initial encounter, the deputy spoke with both drivers and cited Dooley, identified as the at-fault driver, for no proof of insurance after he was unable to provide documentation at the scene. A system check later showed the insurance on the vehicle was valid. Sheriff Schrader stated that during the interaction, the deputy did not observe any signs that Dooley was impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Shortly after 5 p.m., immediately after the deputy completed the report and released both drivers, a second crash occurred at the same location. The deputy, who was facing another direction at the time, reported hearing a loud impact and observed the driver he had just cited involved in another collision. Emergency lights were activated and the deputy responded to the scene.
Sheriff Schrader said he arrived within minutes and was briefed on both incidents. The Georgia State Patrol was requested to assist with the second crash, and a trooper arrived approximately 20 to 25 minutes later. The responding trooper was identified as a certified Drug Recognition Expert, with advanced training in identifying impairment.
The state trooper conducted a series of tests and evaluated Dooley’s condition using DRE protocols. Sheriff Schrader stated the trooper later determined that Dooley was under the influence of an unknown substance, though alcohol was not suspected. Dooley was placed under arrest and consented to a blood test under Georgia’s implied consent law.
Sheriff Schrader acknowledged that the deputy involved expressed concern that no signs of impairment were detected during the initial crash investigation and said the deputy felt deeply for those involved in the second collision. Schrader emphasized that if impairment had been suspected earlier, the situation would have been handled differently. He also noted plans to schedule additional advanced training for the deputy in the near future.
In closing, Sheriff Schrader said the statement was intended to provide transparency and address questions from the public, stressing that there were no cover-ups involved and that law enforcement remains committed to doing its job despite frustrations related to repeat offenders and impaired driving.