Dalton man arrested for DUI after driving reckless and crashing into semi in Whitfield County

According to a Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office incident report, On May 4th, 2023, at 10:07 PM, A 2020 Red Honda Accord was in the parking lot of the Circle K on the corner of Chatsworth Hwy at Cedar Ridge. A 2022 White Freight Liner was West on Chatsworth Hwy in the right lane approaching the traffic light on Chatsworth Hwy at Hwy 286. Witnesses stated the driver of the Honda, Jonathan Neal Satterfield, 36, of Dalton, took off at a high rate of speed through the red light, almost striking a vehicle eastbound before striking the semi in the intersection. The Honda then spun around, coming back across traffic into the parking lot, almost striking the gas pumps before coming to a stop. A witness stated Satterfield then exited the car running into the store and begging her to give him something to drink and some gum. Another witness stated she was East on Chatsworth Hwy in the left lane approaching the traffic light at Cedar Ridge. She stated her light was green as she approached. She stated as she was going through the green light, she observed the Honda suddenly shooting into the intersection. She stated she had to speed up or she would have been crushed by the vehicle. After the crash, she observed Satterfield getting out and running into the store. According to the report, “Deputy Figg, in speaking with Satterfield and could smell a very strong odor of some type of intoxicating beverage coming from his breath. Satterfield was facing the store at the front door. Satterfield was trying to button up his shirt and zip up his pants. When he turned around, Deputy Figg observed his eyes were bloodshot. Deputy Figg checked the seatbelt on the driver’s side of the vehicle. In checking the seatbelt, it did retract, which Deputy Figg was able to tell Satterfield was not wearing his seatbelt. Deputy Figg also observed the airbags in the vehicle were deployed.” Satterfield refused all testing stating he wished for a lawyer. Satterfield was transported to the Whitfield County Jail, where he was checked on the alcosensor and showed positive for alcohol. Satterfield was charged with traffic light violation, reckless driving, seatbelt violation, and DUI less safe.