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Home»CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY»Wrong-way DUI arrest follows near head-on crash on U.S. 331
CRIME / PUBLIC SAFETY

Wrong-way DUI arrest follows near head-on crash on U.S. 331

Niceville.comFebruary 9, 20261 Min Read
Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducts a nighttime traffic stop on U.S. 331 involving a pickup truck.
Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies stop a driver accused of traveling the wrong way on U.S. 331 near DeFuniak Springs. (Contributed)

DEFUNIAK SPRINGS, Fla. — A motorist reportedly avoided a head-on collision with a wrong-way driver on U.S. 331 just after midnight Sunday, leading to a DUI arrest, according to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

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The Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said dispatchers received a 911 call from a southbound driver who reported nearly colliding with a white truck traveling the wrong direction near Rock Hill Road.

Moments later, a deputy located the truck still reportedly driving north in the southbound lanes of U.S. 331 near Coy Burgess Loop and heading toward DeFuniak Springs, according to the WCSO. A DeFuniak Springs police officer reportedly assisted with the stop.

Braden Powell, 26, of Coffee Springs, Alabama, was taken into custody and charged with DUI with a blood alcohol level of .15 or higher and reckless driving, the WCSO said.

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Investigators said the incident is said to have created a dangerous situation that reportedly placed motorists at risk of serious injury or death.

More from Crime/Public Safety

The sheriff’s office reminded drivers that impaired driving can result in severe consequences and urged motorists to arrange alternative transportation if they plan to drink alcohol.

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