David Brandon Griffin, 38 of Weatherford, was arrested May 2 in Clinton and charged after Clinton Police Officer Adam Mitchell observed him allegedly illegally backing down Glen Smith Road, according to the affidavit of probable cause filed with the Custer County District Court.
Officer Mitchell was patrolling the area May 2 when he observed Griffin allegedly back out of a driveway on Glen Smith Road and continue backing until he got to Modelle Avenue, striking the northeast curb. Griffin then allegedly pulled forward to the intersection, driving westbound, and stopped, but well beyond the white stopping block, court records show.
Officer Mitchell activated his emergency lights and attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Griffin. However, Griffin allegedly did not pull over and began to accelerate, at which time Officer Mitchell began pursuit eastbound on Terrace Avenue and then south on Bars Road. During the pursuit, Griffin allegedly made two drivers slam on their breaks to avoid him, ran a few stop signs and reached speeds of more than 50 mph, according to court records.
Griffin eventually came to a stop in a yard along East Modelle Avenue, exited the vehicle on the driver’s side and Officers Mitchell and O’Kelley held him at gun point until more officers arrived. Griffin complied with officer commands to put his hands up and get on the ground. He then was placed in hand restraints, court records show.
Officers Mitchell and O’Kelley conducted a search of Griffin’s vehicle, in which they could smell a strong odor of marijuana inside. Dispatch confirmed Griffin had a suspended driver’s license, according to court records.
Officer Mitchell placed Griffin under arrest and read him his Miranda rights. Upon searching Griffin’s person, Officer Mitchell allegedly smelled burnt marijuana. Griffin allegedly refused to allow Officer Mitchell to check his eyes and said, “Nah man, I smoked, it is what it is,” court records show.
Griffin allegedly refused to take the state’s test. He then was taken to the Clinton City Jail to be booked in for eluding a police officer, driving while under the influence of intoxicants, driving with license suspended, failure to stop before stopping block and illegally backing, according to court records.
Griffin had seven prior felony charges against him including injury to minor child, 2000; attempting to elude a police officer, 2002; two counts of delivery of controlled substances, and trafficking in illegal drugs, 2003; possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving while license is suspended, 2010; possession of firearm after felony conviction or during probation, and possession of controlled substances, 2016; child abuse, 2019; and now, endangering others while attempting to elude a police officer, second and subsequent driving a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs, and driving with license suspended, 2020, court records show.
Griffin is scheduled to appear in court June 19, according to court records.