25-year-old John Barchard was seen attempting to jump into oncoming traffic while intoxicated near I-24 East on June 12th. When officers arrived on the scene, they noticed Barchard making a jumping motion as if he was going to jump into oncoming traffic on the interstate. When officers asked what he was doing, he stated, “I love Jesus!” before he was immediately placed in handcuffs. Officers noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from him before locating two sets of car keys on him. One set of keys was to a vehicle that had broken down near the area. During the investigation, Officers deemed the keys belonged to Sean Tugnon, the vehicle’s owner. Tugnon told officers that Barchard was driving with him from downtown to somewhere else, and the car broke down. Barchard was then questioned by officers and admitted to drinking a lot and also admitted to taking acid. Based on Tugnon telling officers Barchard was driving, the smell of alcohol coming from Barchard, and his admittance to taking drugs and alcohol, Barchard was deemed to be the driver and taken into custody. When officers arrived at the booking with Barchard, he began to tense up to prevent officers from escorting him, asking several times what was going on. After the officers explained what was happening again, he continued to tense up. Barchard admitted to driving and was charged with DUI, disorderly conduct, and implied consent.
DUI: John Barchard jumps into traffic after taking acid, tells police “I love Jesus!”
