CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – A Conway man arrested for DUI had a 3-year-old child in the car, a police report said.
Officers arrived at the intersection of Frontage Road and E. Hwy 501 around 9:12 p.m. on Wednesday for a motor vehicle accident, according to a report from the Conway Police Department. Upon arriving, officers spoke with the driver “at fault,” who reportedly stated that he was driving from West Virginia, where he had picked up his son, to his home off SC 544.
“The driver had slurred speech, blood shot eyes, and a strong odor that similar to alcohol coming from his person,” the report said. The driver was reportedly transporting his 3-year-old son.
Police say they asked the driver to give his son to EMS personnel to be checked for injuries, and that he refused. An officer then reportedly took the child from the driver.
“While doing so, the driver stated that he had a gun on his person, he then reached for it and grabbed onto the grip of the pistol,” the report also said. An officer then reportedly grabbed the driver’s right arm and another officer grabbed the driver’s left arm, while another officer was able to take the child.
The driver then allegedly tried to pull away from officers, according to the report. Officers then used “a modified armbar technique to secure the driver onto the hood of his vehicle in order to control and secure him.” The driver was then handcuffed.
Justin Lee Wilkerson, 31, of Conway, was arrested, according to the report.
J. Reuben Long Detention Center booking records show that Wilkerson was booked around 11:35 p.m. Wednesday and released around 12:49 p.m. Thursday. His charges are listed as child endangerment, driving under the influence- 1st offense, and unlawful carrying of a pistol. Bail was set at around $6,300.
