Police dashcam video released Monday shows what happened at the time of state Rep. Tom Taylor's DUI arrest.
Taylor, a Dunwoody Republican, was clocked driving 72 mph in a 45 mph zone in Rabun County the afternoon of April 7. According to a city of Clayton police report, his blood-alcohol content was nearly three times the legal limit and he had a pistol on his hip. Exchange students were in the car with Taylor at the time of his arrest. They were at least 16 years old, meaning he won't face child endangerment charges.
In the video, Taylor, 54, steps out his vehicle.
Officer: You can stay in your car, please. Go ahead and get in your car.
The officer walks up to Taylor and asks if he has any weapons. Taylor says he has the gun on his hip.
Officer: Just do a favor. Leave it right there. Don’t reach for it. Let’s stick with the original plan. Step out, please.
Taylor gets out the vehicle.
Officer: Slide over this way. Keep your hands up. There you go.
The officer removes Taylor’s gun.
Officer: You law enforcement or anything?
He asks Taylor for identification.
Officer: State representative, huh?
Later, the officer asks Taylor more questions.
Officer: Do you know why I pulled you over?
Taylor: Speeding.
Officer: You have any idea how fast you might have been going?
Taylor: 70.
Officer: 72 and the speed limit is 45.
The officer asks Taylor how much he had to drink.
Officer: Be honest with me because I smell alcohol all over you.
Taylor: I had some wine last night. Nothing today.
After he refused to comply with instructions for a field sobriety test, he was arrested and charged with driving under the influence, possession of an open container of alcohol and speeding.
Taylor, first elected to the House in 2010, told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution last week he will seek re-election to his District 79 seat. He faces Tom Owens in a May 24 primary. Owens, a former candidate for DeKalb County Commission, called Taylor a “disgrace.”
“He is unfit to hold the office of Georgia state representative,” Owens said in a press release.
Taylor said he regrets “this serious mistake,” and vowed to work to restore the trust of his constituents.
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