A late-night speeding stop on Briarcliff Road ended with a driver in handcuffs after Georgia State Patrol said she punched and kicked a trooper. DeKalb County deputies took the woman into custody early Friday after a GSP trooper pulled her over for speeding at about 1:47 a.m. and a field sobriety test turned physical, officials said. Jail records identified the driver as Zoe Saul, who now faces charges, according to authorities.
Traffic Stop Turns Violent
According to WSB-TV, the trooper reported smelling marijuana and alcohol coming from the vehicle and asked Saul to step out. She became argumentative but agreed to a field sobriety test and failed, the outlet reported. The trooper told reporters Saul tried to run, and he brought her to the ground before she allegedly punched and kicked him in the chest and face. DeKalb County jail records cited by WSB-TV list charges of speeding, driving under the influence and disorderly conduct.
Holiday Enforcement And DUI Surge
The stop happened during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, when state officials were already warning about a spike in impaired driving. The Georgia Department of Public Safety recorded 185 DUI arrests statewide over the period, according to WCTV. Authorities had stepped up patrols and urged people to line up designated drivers or use rideshares instead of getting behind the wheel after drinking.
Legal Consequences
Local booking information did not list an assault charge at the time of reporting, but Georgia law allows prosecutors to pursue separate counts when an officer is attacked. Aggravated assault on a peace officer can be charged under OCGA § 16-5-21 in certain situations, as outlined by Justia. Prosecutors will decide whether to seek additional charges after reviewing the trooper's statements and any available evidence.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety's press releases page did not include a statement about the stop as of this morning, and the department had not posted further public comment. Local reporting remains the primary on-the-record account for now, and coverage will be updated if prosecutors file new charges or the agency releases more details.
