Pickaway County, Ohio – On the evening of April 28th, 2024, a routine traffic stop near the intersection of US-62 and State Route 762 in Pickaway County escalated into multiple arrests for DUI and underage alcohol consumption.
Corporal Brandon Cooper initiated the stop after observing a Silver 2011 Nissan Altima traveling northbound on US-62, displaying no visible registration. The vehicle was observed crossing over lane markers multiple times, prompting the traffic stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, Cooper encountered the driver, identified as Diego Quieju, who admitted to living in the United States for fifteen years but lacked a valid driver’s license. Suspecting alcohol consumption, Cooper requested assistance from Deputy Alfredo Magana, who could communicate with Quieju and the passenger, identified as Demetrio Chipir Fuentes, in Spanish.
Deputy Magana interviewed both occupants and noted signs of impairment in Quieju, who admitted to consuming alcohol. Field sobriety tests confirmed Quieju’s impairment, leading to his arrest for operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI). Meanwhile, Deputy Magana discovered an alcoholic beverage container in the passenger area, leading to Fuentes’ arrest for underage alcohol consumption. Neither Quieju nor Fuentes could provide sufficient identification.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered three containers of alcoholic beverages, further supporting the charges against Fuentes. Quieju was transported to the county jail, while Fuentes was taken into custody and later transported to the Pickaway County Jail.
Deputy Magana’s supporting narrative detailed Quieju’s impaired behavior during field sobriety testing, leading to his arrest for OVI. Quieju’s breath test revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.150, well above the legal limit.
Corporal Cooper concluded the report, noting the lack of valid documentation for Quieju and Fuentes, necessitating the involvement of translators for court proceedings and potential contact with immigration services.
