Sheriff Cupp Says Officer Did Not Request Youngblood Release

Sheriff John Cupp said Lt. Billy Long did not request that a man charged with DUI be released into his custody.

The sheriff said he has gotten a verbal report from internal affairs on an incident involving back to back DUI arrests of radio personality Gerald Youngblooc (Scott Daniels).

Youngblood was stopped late Tuesday night on Lee Highway for DUI, then was released and quickly got another DUI when he was allegedly traveling at speeds up to 100 miles per hour at the construction zone at I-75 and Highway 153.

Magistrate Mark Biesack said he released Youngblood into the custody of an officer.

Sheriff Cupp said he was advised that after the first DUI arrest that Youngblood had called his friend, Lt. Billy Long, who came to the scene and moved his car to radio station US 101.

The sheriff said Lt. Long then went to bed and was awakened by Youngblood, who asked him to come to the jail, saying he had been released into his custody.

Sheriff Cupp said he is upset that Youngblood and others have been released prior to a normal 6-hour drying out period.

He said he planned to speak with judges about clamping down on the situation.

Sheriff Cupp said, "I've worked far too long on the 6-hour rule to have it overridden by anyone."

"I thought we were holding them all for at least six hours. Even after six hours, some of them are in no shape to drive," the sheriff said.

City Police spokesman Ed Buice said Youngblood was stopped by the county about 11 p.m. Tuesday and went before Magistrate Biesack.

Magistrate Biesack said he agreed to release Youngblood on his own recognizance (without having to pay for a bond) into the custody of a sheriff's lieutant.

Sheriff Cupp said he will have a written report from internal affairs on his desk Monday.

At 1:49 a.m. Youngblood was spotted by police going through the construction area at I-75 and Highway 153 at 85 miles per hour. The speed limit is 45.

Mr. Buice said as officers chased him, he crashed into the back of another vehicle. No one was injured apparently. The driver of that car was Matthew Thompson, son of attorney Neal Thompson.

Youngblood was again taken into custody. City police charged him with DUI and reckless driving.

He was held at the county jail under $9,000 bond until making the bond late Wednesday. He is due in court Aug. 3 at 8:30 a.m.

Youngblood said he was sorry for the incident - especially since he is a public figure - and said he won't drink and drive again.

He said he has been terminated by the radio station.

Youngblood said the county lieutenant - who is a friend of his - followed him to make sure his driving was okay, then turned off.

Youngblood said he had no more to drink after the first arrest. He said he had been at a July 4 party earlier.