Clayton man arrested for hit-and-run; too intoxicated to recall incident

CLAYTON — Last Saturday, the Clayton Police Department responded to a hit-and-run where it was later determined the suspect who had fled the scene was heavily intoxicated.

Local law enforcement was dispatched to a crash on GA 2 West in the area of the Clayton City Hall after receiving a call from a driver who said a car had nearly impacted his Volvo head-on, but instead ended up forcefully sideswiping his vehicle pushing it over into the right-hand lane.

The victim said after impact, the driver fled the scene and continued on GA 2 West. After an officer caught up with the vehicle who’s damage and description was consistent with what the victim reported, the driver was identified as Joseph John Durkin, of Clayton.

According to authorities, Durkin, 66, emitted a strong smell of alcohol on his breath and was immediately transferred to the Clayton Police Department where enforcement conducted sobriety field tests.

During the “Walk and Turn” portion of the test, enforcement said Durkin could not keep his balance during the instructional stage and used his arms for balance. Approximately four steps into the test, Durkin told law enforcement, “I can’t do it.”

After officers questioned Durkin about the hit-and-run and whether or not he recalled the incident, he said he wasn’t sure what had happened.

Durkin was placed under arrest and transported to the Rabun County Jail. He has been charged with DUI – Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Hit-and-Run, No Tag, Defective Tires and Driving Left of Center.

The vehicle from the crash was deemed totaled and unfit to drive — a wrecker was called to remove it.