Police: Impaired driver hits, launches street signs through business

ELLIJAY, Ga. - Police said a man caused some serious damage to street signs, street lamps and a business while driving through downtown Ellijay Saturday night.

Ellijay police said one of their officers received a report of an impaired driver just before 11 p.m. Saturday at the Citgo gas station on South Main Street.

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Police said while the officer approached the suspect vehicle, the officer saw the vehicle drive up on the curb and sidewalk at the corner of River and North Main Streets.

The vehicle then hit several highway signs, launching them through the front windows of a business named Mountain Treasures, according to police.

Police said the vehicle also hit street lights prior to coming to a stop on the sidewalk in front of the Ellijay Barber Shop on North Main Street.

Police arrested the driver, who has been identified as 26-year-old Jose Bautista.

Police charged Bautista with driving under the influence and booked him in the Gilmer County jail.