Driver charged with DUI

A Monroeville man is facing driving under the influence charges after a CSX train hit his vehicle in the early morning hours of Feb. 17, according to Atmore Police Department records.

Demetri Hanson, 22, of Monroeville, and a passenger, Tawny Carter, were not inside their 2009 Hyundai Tucson when it was hit by a train pulling 109 cars.

At approximately 1:45 a.m., the train was stopped on the tracks, and officers approached the vehicle, where they noticed nobody inside of the Tucson, Chief Chuck Brooks said.

“A male and female (Hanson and Carter) approached the vehicle and told them that was their car,” Brooks said. “The officers smelled an alcoholic beverage smell coming from the male.”

Brooks said Hanson was then arrested for driving under the influence, and added that Hanson stated that he passed his turn, made a U-turn and traveled north on Main St.

“He made a left turn and ended up stuck on the railroad tracks,” Brooks said. “He was unable to free his car when they observed the train blowing its horn.”

Hanson and Carter exited their vehicle before the car was struck by the train, adding that the train conductor stated that the car went air born beside the train, according to the report.

Thirty-four train cars passed upon initial impact with the Tucson, the report stated.

No one was injured as a result of the wreck, which is still under investigation by the APD.