Over the weekend on October 19 at 8:34 p.m., an intoxicated driver ran through the fence at the Sylvan Hills Football Field and hit the concession stand. After the incident occurred, the driver, Darmel Batemon, 44, left the scene of the accident and continued to travel down Arkansas 107 until he ran into a light pole at the state highway and Brockington Road intersection in Sherwood.
Batemon was found by a patrolling Sherwood officer who then advised the arresting officer of the location. When the arresting officer arrived, he observed Batemon and when he asked him about his condition, Batemon responded in
slurred words saying that he was intoxicated and to go ahead and arrest him.
Dispatch advised that Batemon had a suspended license and had 183 days remaining on an interlock Breathalyzer in his vehicle, which was missing.
Batemon is facing misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated, violation of ignition interlock and $10,000 of property damage. As of Sunday evening, he was being held in the Pulaski County jail according to an online inmate roster.
The concession stands are currently being repaired, but they will not be using the building for games. Concessions will be open and there will be a spot that they are set up near the building. The visitor side will also be open and in use.
With this incident happening, you can’t help but think, how much more damage could have happened? What would have happened if there were people at the places Batemon hit?
There could have been much more damage or even serious injuries. Batemon could have hit another car and hurt people. What can people do to have less intoxicated drivers on the road? One of the biggest things that people can do is help others get the help that they need to get sober. If someone is struggling with addictions, others should offer to help. Sometimes it won’t be easy, but trying is better than doing nothing. Anything to get intoxicated drivers off of the road will make everyone safer. For substance abuse treatment and mental health referrals, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
