One man was arrested in a drunk-driving accident on Thursday in Dalton, which resulted in the closing of Waugh Street.
The driver of the single-car crash was Norberto Muniz, Jr., 20, of 905 Vernon Avenue. At approximately 4:55 a.m., Muniz was driving eastbound on Waugh Street up the hill near Shugart Road. When he came over the top of the hill, he lost control of his white 2006 GMC Envoy and hit a metal power pole. The pole was severely damaged by the impact and was apparently held up just by the tension of the power lines. One line was knocked down across the roadway.
An EMS crew drove by almost immediately after the crash and stopped to check on the driver, who attempted to flee on foot. A paramedic was able to help Muniz on the scene until officers responded.
Officers determined that Muniz was driving in excess of the speed limit before the crash and they also determined that he was driving under the influence of alcohol. After being transported to Hamilton Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of minor injuries, Muniz was arrested and charged with DUI and driving on a suspended license. Muniz was also served with a city of Dalton warrant for failure to appear and a warrant from Whitfield County for a probation violation.