HALL COUNTY, GA: Hall County Sheriff Gerald Jay Couch was arrested last week on DUI and related traffic charges after a deputy reported a county-issued SUV failed to maintain its lane and showed signs of impairment during the contact, according to the Hall County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia State Patrol.
Officials said the incident began around 10:30 a.m. when a Hall County Sheriff’s Office deputy operating an unmarked vehicle observed a black Chevrolet Tahoe on Green Hill Road failing to maintain its lane. The deputy followed as the SUV turned into a private driveway and then made contact with the driver. Authorities said the deputy detected a strong odor of alcohol and observed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and unsteadiness.
Once the deputy recognized the driver as Sheriff Couch, the deputy requested the Georgia State Patrol to handle the DUI investigation. The Georgia State Patrol responded, conducted the investigation, and arrested Couch.
Jail records and reporting based on agency statements list the charges as DUI alcohol less safe, failure to maintain lane, and an open container offense. Authorities have not released additional case details.
Couch, 63, was booked into the Hall County Jail and later released the same day after posting a $1,560 bond, according to jail records referenced by local reporting.
