Motorist arrested after being found intoxicated in roadway

Parker County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a woman Thursday evening who was found slumped over inside her vehicle, which was found parked in a travel lane of Ranger Highway by passing motorists.

Parker County Sheriff Larry Fowler said deputies were dispatched to the scene on a welfare check after concerned citizens reported the woman was conscious but laying in the seat of a 1995 maroon Ford Ranger truck which was parked in the center lane of traffic.

Sheriff’s deputies arrived on scene in the 2500 block of Ranger Highway shortly after 6 p.m., Sept. 29, 2016, with the female suspect standing outside of the truck with the concerned citizens on the side of the roadway.

The passing motorists observed the suspect in the westbound traffic lane and stopped to assist her, finding her disoriented and slumped over the seats.

The suspect was identified as Diane Garcia, 43, of Cleburne.

Garcia told deputies she was traveling from Fort Worth on her way to Cleburne, but did not know where she currently was located. She also told deputies she took prescribed “medicine,” around noon that day.

Deputies located a suspicious substance and drug paraphernalia in plain view on the center floor of Garcia’s truck.

Deputies seized a glass pipe containing a burnt residue. The deputy inquired as to what she had smoked in the pipe. Garcia answered, “K-2,” which is the street name for synthetic cannabinoid.

Garcia had an unsteady balance, and was slurring her words as she spoke with deputies. She was considered to be a danger to herself and others.

Garcia was taken into custody and charged with public intoxication. Her vehicle was towed form the scene.

As of this morning, Garcia remained in custody at the Parker County Jail.

“It’s difficult to believe there are people who think this drug is safe, and want to legalize drugs,” said Sheriff Fowler. “This incident could have resulted in a deadly accident. There is a reason K-2 is illegal.”