A man who allegedly caused a head-on crash and then fled the scene has been charged with vehicular assault, evading arrest, violation of the registration law and financial responsibility, driving without a license, failure to yield the right of way, and violation of the implied consent law.

According to Smithville Police, Christopher Keith Lane Derrick, 21, was driving east on Broad Street in a 1996 Chevy Monte Carlo when he crossed into the westbound lane and struck an oncoming 2005 Chevy Malibu driven by Alex B. Huber. Dustin Allen Sullivan and Ryan Powell were passengers in Derrick’s vehicle. Huber and Sullivan were taken by DeKalb EMS to Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital. Powell refused transport to the hospital.

Witnesses reportedly told police that said that Derrick fled the scene on foot carrying a green and white bag after the crash, running into the woods between Eastside Inn and Caney Fork Electric Cooperative.

Smithville Police Officers, assisted by DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputies, set up a perimeter and conducted a foot search, and Derrick was soon found and placed under arrest. Police said he had suffered a large cut near his right knee and across his leg, and his speech was slurred and he was very unsteady on his feet.

According to police, Derrick needed help at times to maintain his balance. Field sobriety tasks were not administered due to Derrick’s injuries.

He was transported by DeKalb EMS to Saint Thomas DeKalb Hospital. A search warrant was obtained to get a blood sample from Derrick after he refused to voluntarily submit to a blood test.

Members of the Smithville Volunteer Fire Department were also assisted at the scene.

Derrick’s bond is $15,000, and he will appear in court on June 8.

Meanwhile, 46-year old Juan F. Rodriguez was arrested for DUI and cited for implied consent and failing to come to a complete stop at an intersection on May 6.

Police initiated a routine traffic stop and spoke with the driver, Rodriguez. The officer noticed that Rodriguez had blood shot eyes and an odor of alcohol on his person. He submitted to, but performed poorly on, field sobriety tasks. Rodriguez was then into custody without incident, but refused to give a blood sample.

His bond is $1,500, and his court date is May 18.

DeWayn Amon Shoemake, 45, was cited for criminal trespassing and theft of property on May 7.

Police said Shoemake went onto the property of his victim after being told not to be there. Police learned that Shoemake had taken a tire off the victim's car and left with it. After removing the tire from the rim, Shoemake was later discovered trying to put the rim back on the car.

His court date is May 18.

Dana Seborn Cantrell, 49, was arrested for DUI on May 8.

Police responded to the parking lot of Rite Aid Pharmacy, to check out reports that a man there was slumped over the steering wheel of a vehicle with the driver's door open. Upon arrival, officers reportedly found Cantrell slumped over the steering wheel with the vehicle running.

After waking Cantrell and asking him tom get out of the car, police reportedly found his speech to be slurred, and that he was unsteady on his feet. Cantrell submitted to, but performed poorly on, field sobriety tasks. The officer learned that Cantrell had taken prescription medication a couple of hours before operating the incident.

His bond is $1,500, and his court date is June 8.

Donald Gene Rigsby, 56, was arrested for public intoxication on May 9.

Police were called to Subway, where a man on a bicycle had hit a vehicle. The officer reportedly spoke with the bike rider, Rigsby, who had allegedly just opened a Miller High Life.

Police said Rigsby was unsteady on his feet, had an odor of alcohol on his person, and couldn't keep his eyes open. Rigsby was determined to be a danger to himself and the public and he was taken into custody.

His bond is $1,500, and his court date is June 8.

Rigsby was cited for violation of the open container law the next day. An officer patrolling East Church Street reportedly saw Rigsby trying to hide something under his shirt. When the officer stopped Rigsby and asked him what was under his shirt, he produced an open can of beer.

His court date is June 6 on that charge.

Richard Brandon Turner, 45, was arrested for public intoxication and cited for simple possession on May 10.

Police said a man was spotted lying on the side of the road near Wal-Mart on West Broad Street at approximately 10:30 p.m. An officer stopped to do a welfare check and found the man to be Turner. Upon approaching Turner, the officer could smell a strong odor of alcohol on his person.

When the officer awoke him, Turner tried to stand up and almost fell several times. Due to Turner being intoxicated and being so close to the highway he was placed under arrest for his safety.

His bond is $1,500, and his court date is May 18.