On August 22, 2023, a Hopkins County Sheriff's Office deputy responded to a call regarding a motorist assist near the FM 3389 overpass on Eastbound I-30. What started as a routine call took an unexpected turn as the deputy found an unattended vehicle, which eventually led to the discovery of its driver consuming alcohol behind a concrete wall.
Just before 1 p.m., the deputy located the driverless vehicle near the overpass. To their surprise, the driver, identified as Debra Ruthart, 65, of Sulphur Springs, Texas, was located shortly afterward. Ruthhart was seated on the ground behind a concrete wall, indulging in a bottle of alcohol.
As a result of this incident, Debra Ruthhart was apprehended and booked into the Hopkins County Jail. She faces several charges, including a new charge of public intoxication by the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, she was arrested based on warrants issued by the Sulphur Springs Police Department for driving without a valid driver's license (with a fine of $443.30) and failing to maintain financial responsibility (with a fine of $513.50).
