Suspect faces DUI charge after driving over 100 mph

An Andalusia man was arrested Saturday night for DUI after driving at an excessive speed leading to a traffic stop by police in River Falls.

Austin Hunter Pettie

According to the River Falls Police Department, Sergeant Justin Wood was conducting a traffic enforcement operation on Heath River Falls Road in response to numerous complaints of speeding. At approximately 1:23 p.m., Sergeant Wood detected a white vehicle traveling from River Falls toward Hwy. 29 at a speed of 107 miles per hour in a zone with a posted speed limit of 45.

Following a safe traffic stop and interaction with the driver, it was determined that the driver was potentially under the influence of alcohol. Wood asked the driver to perform field sobriety tests.

Austin Hunter Pettie, 28, of Andalusia was charged with DUI of alcohol and a controlled substance and was booked into the Covington County Jail. His bond was set at $1,000. Pettie also received a citation for reckless driving due to excessive speed. The vehicle driven was subsequently impounded and towed by Greg Palmer with Palmer and Sons.

“We would like to express our appreciation for Sergeant Wood’s efforts in preventing potential harm to individuals or their loved ones,” Police Chief Marcus Laster said. “We maintain a strict policy against DUIs, which have resulted in the loss of numerous lives as witnessed firsthand. Sgt. Wood did a great job in handling this situation.”