At approximately 12:12 a.m. on August 28, 2022, Newton Police Department conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for driving with its high beam headlights on. The driver was identified as 19-year-old Tayvin Galanakis.
Upon speaking with the driver, the officer conducting the stop observed indicators of possible impairment. Galanakis was asked to perform standardized field sobriety tests; and consented to perform the tests. He failed two of the three standardized field sobriety tests and showed indicators of impairment on additional tests conducted on scene. A breath test showed no presence of alcohol, and Galanakis refused an opportunity to be examined by a drug recognition expert at the time. He was placed under arrest for driving while impaired.
After being placed under arrest, Galanakis was taken to the Newton Police Department, where he was evaluated and examined by a second Newton Police Officer trained as a drug recognition expert. He passed the standardized field sobriety tests and other impairment assessments. After the exam, in the drug recognition expert’s opinion, it was concluded that Galanakis was not impaired. He was released with no charges.
The incident remains under investigation. No further information is available at this time.
