Two Recent DUI Arrests in Rabun County

Deputies of the Rabun County Sheriff’s Office made two recent driving under the influence (DUI) arrests.  On April 2, a deputy observed a 2015 Ford Explorer fail to maintain its lane on Georgia 15 South in the area of the Tiger Connector.  The deputy conducted a traffic stop and after talking with the driver, 23-year-old Laura Irene Sheppard of Lakemont, and smelling alcohol coming from the vehicle initiated field sobriety tests.  After failing those, Sheppard was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to maintain lane.  On April 7, a deputy tried to stop a 2007 Chevrolet Town and Country on Georgia 15 for talking on her cellphone without a hands-free device.  After a pursuit, the vehicle finally stopped for blue lights.  The driver, 46-year-old Kelly Ann Amarnek of Dillard, failed field sobriety tests and was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, failure to maintain lane, fleeing or attempting to elude law enforcement, and distracted driving.