A former University of South Carolina Gamecocks running back was detained for impaired driving after he crashed his car in Lexington County on Nov. 4. South Carolina Highway Patrol also charged him with unlawful possession of a firearm and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.
Authorities said the 31-year-old man was involved in a single-car accident around 4:50 a.m. on Cromer Road. Responding officers found him and a second man outside the vehicle, which was missing a tire, on the shoulder of the road. The men said they were searching for a missing lug nut at the time.
According to the police report, officers suspected that the former football player was under the influence and asked him to undergo a field sobriety test, which he allegedly did poorly on. He also was given a Breathalyzer test, which showed his blood alcohol content level was .02 percent. Officers then searched the vehicle and discovered a .40 caliber Taurus handgun and bags containing seven grams of crack cocaine. He was booked at the Lexington County Detention Center and released after he posted $7,000 bail.
Anyone arrested on drug charges can face serious consequences and may wish to consult with an attorney. A legal professional could review the case to ensure proper protocol was used during a traffic stop, particularly one that involved a search and seizure. An attorney might also be able to dispute the prosecution’s evidence such as the possible subjective results of field sobriety tests during the trial.
Source: The State, “UPDATED: Demetris Summers charged with possession with intent to distribute crack after car accident,” Clif Leblanc, Nov. 5, 2014
Source: WLTX, “Former Gamecock arrested on DUI, drug charge“, November 06, 2014