Thursday, a 32-year-old woman, Jacqueline Cozart, of Marysville, was arrested for operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI) and several other offenses following erratic driving on US 33.
The incident began just after noon when dispatch received a 911 call from Gary Donathan, who reported a red Honda Civic traveling eastbound on US 33 in a dangerous manner. The caller described the vehicle as swerving in and out of its lane, nearly causing collisions with other vehicles. Donathan, who stayed behind the vehicle, provided continuous updates on its location.
Upon arriving at the scene west of US 68, officers observed the red Honda Civic engaged in reckless driving. The vehicle was seen swerving and driving in the center of both eastbound lanes. A traffic stop was initiated after the vehicle was paced at 35 MPH in a 70 MPH zone. Despite the activation of overhead lights and siren, the driver initially failed to yield, pulling over only after a short distance.
When approached, Cozart, claimed her erratic driving was due to distractions from texting while driving. She said she was en route from the State Park campground in Lakeview to the Tuttle Mall in Dublin.
Cooperating with field sobriety tests, Cozart struggled to follow instructions for the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, failing to properly track the tip of the officer’s pen with her eyes. This failure, combined with the erratic driving and the presence of prescription medication, led to her arrest for OVI.
She was subsequently transported to the Logan County Jail, where she provided a urine sample for testing.
Cozart was cited for the following offenses:
– Operating a Vehicle Under the Influence (OVI) – ORC 4511.19(A)(1)(a)
– Marked Lanes Violation – ORC 4511.33
– Reckless Operation – ORC 4511.20
– Driving While Texting – ORC 4511.204
Following the arrest, Cozart was released to a sober driver and informed of her court date. Additionally, during the citation process, Cozart was overheard telling someone on the phone that she had taken pain medication on the morning of the arrest, contradicting her earlier statement to officers.
The vehicle involved in the incident was towed by Tops Towing.
The investigation into the case continues as authorities await the results of the urine test and further legal proceedings.
