Man Thanks Officer for DUI Arrest

TYRONE, Ga. - A Georgia man thanked a Tyrone Police Officer for arresting him in July.

According to the police report, the man was driving on Highway 74 and while in a turn lane, instead of making a right onto the street, the driver went straight running off the road. Sgt. Jacob Collins arrested the man for DUI.

Monday, Tyrone Police Chief Brandon Perkins received a letter from the man, thanking Sgt. Collins for arresting him. The letter reads "I was severely intoxicated. He saved my life and the lives of others and I truly appreciate his actions and his efforts."

Chief Perkins said they have received thank you's for changing a tire, solving a crime, good things, but never a thank you letter from someone who has been arrested.

"This is kind of a testament to what law enforcement does every day," said Chief Perkins. "Our job is to go out and make sure people are safe, that is what Collins was doing that night and the end result was the driver is safe, he did not hurt anyone and the message was sent, that is what we are here to do," said Chief Perkins adding that it takes a lot of character for someone to write a letter like that.

The letter goes on "What officers do everyday matters and we appreciate it."

Chief Perkins said there has been a lot of negative news surrounding law enforcement recently and this letter highlights the good officers do every day.

Letter to Chief Perkins:

Chief Perkins:

I write to express my thanks and gratitude to Officer Jacob Collins.

Officer Collins pulled me over on Highway 74 during the morning of July 31, 2015. I was severely intoxicated. He saved my life and the lives of others, and I truly appreciate his actions and his efforts. I must emphasize that he was very polite and professional and did not provoke with intimidation. He treated me fairly, and I never felt ridiculed or threatened.

I have nothing to gain from contacting you. I have already been to court and received my punishments. I contact you because the media and public opinion are saturated with images of officers using excessive force. Officers are constantly on the defensive. The public does not want to acknowledge proper procedures; the public merely wants to see an officer make a mistake to keep the argument and the social media images flowing. You all need to know that what you do every day matters, and we appreciate it.

I do not like being on probation, and I do not enjoy paying a series of fines, fees and insurance hikes; however I am grateful to be alive. I thank Officer Collins and your entire department.