This Athens DUI Arrest shows the exact moment a late-night drive turned into a criminal nightmare for one college student. On October 25, 2024, Athens-Clarke County Police responded to a severe vehicle crash. Officers arrived to find a wrecked car resting dangerously close to active train tracks in the dark.
The driver, identified as Angela Yuhyig Cheng, initially claimed a mysterious “friend” had been behind the wheel. However, the situation rapidly escalated when officers began asking standard investigative questions. This viral case highlights the harsh realities of drunk driving investigations, the strict nature of implied consent laws, and the immediate consequences for young drivers.
Table of Contents
Watch: Athens DUI Arrest Caught on Camera
Note: Pay close attention to the timestamp at 00:16:32 where the situation escalates. The suspect explicitly refuses to perform a field sobriety test, leading directly to her being placed in handcuffs.
Full Story: How the Incident Unfolded
The incident began shortly after midnight when officers discovered a vehicle crashed onto the train tracks. A bystander reported seeing the vehicle go over the curb. The witness stated he initially thought the driver was drunk, so he stopped to check on her after the collision.
When officers made contact with Cheng, she complained of pain in her ribs, neck, and chest from the seatbelt and airbag deployment. Despite her injuries, she repeatedly hesitated to accept emergency medical services (EMS) because she was worried about the hospital bills her parents would have to pay. Officers informed her that they could not make medical or financial decisions for her, leaving her with the choice to either go to the hospital or stay at the scene. Cheng eventually decided to stay.
As the investigation shifted from a medical response to a criminal probe, Cheng claimed she was only trying to drive a friend home. However, she completely refused to identify this friend or provide a physical description. When an officer asked if she would be willing to perform a voluntary field sobriety test, Cheng firmly said, “No”.
Officer Joey Lewis immediately instructed Cheng to place her hands behind her back. She was placed under arrest for driving under the influence. Once in the back of the police cruiser, Officer Lewis read Cheng the Georgia Implied Consent Notice for suspects over the age of 21. The officer asked if she would submit to a state-administered chemical test of her blood. Cheng refused the blood test.
Realizing the severity of the situation, Cheng began pleading with the officers. She begged for mercy, stating that she had an exam on Friday and was on track to graduate in the summer with a finance degree. Despite her tearful pleas, the officers transported her to the local jail for booking.
The Arrest: Charges Against Angela Cheng
Following the roadside investigation, Officer Joey Lewis officially charged Cheng. Below is a breakdown of the specific offenses filed in the State Court of Athens-Clarke County.
| Charge | Simple Explanation | Potential Penalty (US) |
| 40-6-391(a)(1) DUI – Alcohol – Less Safe | Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol to the extent that it is less safe to drive. | Fines, probation, mandatory community service, and potential jail time. |
| 40-6-48 Failure to Maintain Lane / Improper Driving on Road | Failing to keep the vehicle within a single lane of traffic, resulting in the crash onto the train tracks. | Fines and points on the driver’s license. |
Legal Analysis: Was the Athens DUI Arrest Justified?
Based on the provided documentation and bodycam footage, the officers followed strict legal protocols during this Athens DUI Arrest.
First, the officers had reasonable suspicion to investigate after finding a wrecked vehicle on the train tracks. The Fourth Amendment allows officers to detain individuals for questioning during an accident investigation. Cheng’s shifting story about an unnamed friend driving, combined with the physical evidence of the crash, provided sufficient probable cause for a DUI investigation.
Furthermore, law enforcement protocol requires officers to ask for voluntary field sobriety tests. When Cheng refused the tests, the officer used the totality of the circumstances to execute a lawful arrest. The officer also properly read the Georgia Implied Consent Notice verbatim, explicitly warning Cheng that refusing the blood test could result in a one-year suspension of her driver’s license.
[Read more Evidence Decode investigations here]
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to Georgia DUI and Traffic Laws
What is Georgia’s Implied Consent Law, and what happens if a driver refuses a chemical test?
Under Georgia law, anyone who operates a motor vehicle on state roads implicitly agrees to submit to chemical testing (blood, breath, or urine) if lawfully arrested for a DUI. If a driver refuses this test, their driver’s license or privilege to drive in the state is typically suspended for a minimum of one year. Furthermore, prosecutors can use the refusal as evidence of guilt during a trial.
How does a misdemeanor DUI conviction impact a college student’s academic future?
Beyond legal penalties, a DUI conviction can trigger severe academic consequences for university students. Many colleges have strict codes of conduct; a violation can result in disciplinary hearings, loss of academic scholarships, removal from campus housing, or even suspension. Additionally, a permanent criminal record can create major hurdles for students undergoing background checks for internships and post-graduate corporate employment.
What are the standard penalties for a first-time DUI offense in Georgia?
A first-time DUI conviction in Georgia is generally classified as a misdemeanor. Standard penalties usually include up to 12 months of probation, a fine ranging from $300 to $1,000 (plus court surcharges), mandatory participation in a DUI Risk Reduction Program, a substance abuse evaluation, and at least 40 hours of community service. Judges may also order confinement ranging from 24 hours to one year, which can sometimes be served on weekends.
Can a person be charged with a DUI if they claim someone else was driving the vehicle?
Yes. If law enforcement arrives at an accident scene and the suspect is the only person present, officers can use circumstantial evidence to establish physical control of the vehicle. If the suspect claims a “friend” was driving but refuses to identify them, and physical evidence (such as possession of the key fob or seatbelt bruising) points to the suspect, officers have probable cause to make an arrest.
What are the legal and financial liabilities of crashing a vehicle onto active railroad tracks?
Crashing a vehicle onto railroad tracks is extremely dangerous and can lead to additional charges, such as Failure to Maintain Lane or Reckless Driving. Financially, the at-fault driver is liable for the specialized towing fees required to safely remove the vehicle from the tracks. If the crash causes delays to train schedules or damages railway property, the railway company may pursue civil action against the driver’s insurance provider for restitution.
Conclusion & Current Status
Angela Cheng was initially released on a $4,600 surety bond via Athens Bonding Company on October 25, 2024.
The case moved swiftly through the legal system. On November 18, 2024, Cheng entered a guilty plea for both the DUI and the Improper/Erratic Lane Change charges. According to the Memorandum of Plea Agreement and the official sentencing documents, the judge sentenced her to 12 months of probation and 72 hours of confinement, which she was permitted to serve on weekends.
In addition to jail time and probation, Cheng was ordered to pay a $600 base fine (totaling $1,344 with surcharges and fees) and complete 240 hours of community service. The court also mandated that she complete a DUI Risk Reduction Program, undergo a substance abuse evaluation, and participate in the Athens DUI Court Program.
Download Police Report click here.
Disclaimer: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This report is based on official police records.
Don’t Rely on Their Word Alone In this case, conflicting stories led to an arrest. The only way to prove your innocence in a traffic stop is with your own 4K evidence. Protect yourself this holiday season. 🎄 Click Here