Raymond Smith was arrested on Sunday, May 9, under charges of a DUI while taking his brother, Gerald Smith to the hospital.
Gerald was having a heart attack at the time and was pleading with his brother to rush him to the hospital. Raymond was arrested after his brother was taken to Baylor Regional Medical Center Grapevine.
Police officers claim that Smith’s driving was reckless, as he was speeding, but Smith says he had no choice. It was either speed or risk his brother’s life. He chose to take his brother to the hospital himself instead of contacting paramedics because he thought he would lose valuable time if he waited for an ambulance to arrive.
Once on the road, police followed Smith’s car after noticing he was driving 85 mph and had his hazard lights on. The officers report that Smith was swerving as well but Smith explains that he swerved because a car changed into his lane. He says he had his hazard lights on to show other drivers that he was in the state of an emergency.
Police report that Smith was failing to stop for them and do not understand why he didn’t call 911 right away.
"I only thought about getting my brother to the hospital," claimed Smith, who was trying to get his brother medical help as fast as he could.
The police confronted Smith at the hospital, where he submitted to them. The officers noticed that Gerald was in need of medical assistance and he was rushed into the emergency room. Raymond, however, was detained and arrested under suspicion of DUI.
After refusing to take a blood alcohol content exam, Smith was given a field sobriety test and police determined he did not pass it. In addition to the DUI, he was also charged with evading arrest.
A worried Smith explains that the only thing on his mind was getting his brother to safety. Gerald is in fair condition and remains hospitalized. He takes his brother’s side, explaining that he wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for him.
Police claim that the outcome would have been different had Smith stopped after being followed or had he called 911 to document the events.
No word from Smith’s DUI lawyer on the matter or whether a court date has been scheduled.
If you have experienced a similar DUI arrest or charge, and believe you were unfairly accused, contact a DUI lawyer immediately to see how you can get help with dismissing the charges.
