A former “Deputy of the Year” from Georgia was apprehended and charged with DUI last week. The officer was reportedly attempting to direct traffic outside an elementary school, despite the absence of any vehicles, according to law enforcement officials. Houston County Sheriff’s Deputy Garrison Page, when questioned about his actions and potential need for medical assistance, responded with a dismissive, “None of your business,” as per the incident report obtained by a local NBC affiliate.
Page, who had previously served as a Bibb County officer, had joined the Houston County force just over a week prior to his arrest. The incident occurred at Skyview Elementary School in Lizella, Georgia. Page, dressed in civilian attire and operating a patrol vehicle, was discovered by Board of Education officers last Tuesday.
The incident report dated Nov. 19 indicates that Page was allegedly exhibiting signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and unsteady standing. He reportedly walked away during the conversation with officers, seemingly to continue standing in the road.
An eyewitness to the incident informed authorities that Page seemed “not right” and appeared to be talking to himself while directing non-existent traffic, as reported by a local ABC affiliate. Board of Education officers noted that Page smelled of alcohol, leading them to detain him on suspicion of DUI for allegedly driving to the scene under the influence. Inside his patrol car, officers reportedly found an open can of Mike’s Harder Lemonade and an unopened can of Natural Light beer.
Page, who was awarded “Deputy of the Year” in 2019 during his tenure with Houston County, allegedly refused to submit to a breath test. He was also reportedly uncooperative at the Bibb County Jail following his arrest. Jail staff reported that he attempted to remove a needle from his arm during a blood test. Authorities were eventually able to secure a warrant from a Superior Court judge to draw his blood, though the results have not been disclosed.
Page was reportedly released after being booked on DUI charges. Officials from the Houston County Sheriff’s Office have stated that he is currently suspended and facing termination.