ROSS COUNTY, Ohio — A driver faces multiple charges after being pulled over for texting and failing to use a turn signal late Sunday night, an investigation that ultimately led to an OVI arrest after deputies discovered cold beer in the vehicle.
A Ross County Sheriff’s deputy initiated the traffic stop on Sept. 27 near the intersection of State Route 104 and U.S. Route 35. The deputy observed a white Ford Ranger turn onto SR-104 South without signaling, noting that the driver appeared to be looking down at a cell phone rather than watching the road.
After signaling the truck to pull over, the deputy observed the driver, later identified as Franklin Mapes, reaching behind the front seats. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy noted an odor of alcohol. When questioned, Mapes claimed he was using his phone for navigation and denied consuming any alcohol, asking officers to let him finish his drive to a nearby friend’s house.
However, officers spotted a three-pack of Natural Light beer behind the driver’s seat. A closer inspection revealed an opened pack hidden underneath with cans missing, alongside cold, condensed cans in the back seat.
Deputy Morgan arrived at the scene to assist with a field sobriety investigation. Officers noted that Mapes exhibited dilated pupils and struggled with standard field sobriety tests, including balance issues, swaying, and failing multiple physical indicators.
Mapes allegedly admitted to officers that he had marijuana in his system and refused to submit to a urine test.
Mapes was placed under arrest for Operating a Vehicle under the Influence (OVI) and transported to the Ross County Jail. In addition to the OVI charge, he was issued citations for texting while driving and failure to use a turn signal.
