SOUTH FORSYTH – An Alpharetta man is in custody at an area hospital for driving under the influence of drugs Monday afternoon when he wrecked into an 18-wheeler in south Forsyth.

John Francis Hefele, 31, has charges pending for DUI drugs, possession of marijuana and failure to maintain lane, according to Deputy Epifanio Rodriguez, a spokesman with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office.

He remained in the hospital with what were described as non-life threatening injuries as of Wednesday afternoon. Upon his discharge, he will be detained in the Forsyth County Jail.

He also has an existing probation warrant for a previous charge of possession of methamphetamine, Rodriguez said.

Hefele was traveling south on Georgia 400 at McFarland Parkway (Exit 12) about 1:30 p.m. June 20 when he reportedly side-swiped a semi-truck with his sports utility vehicle, causing it to slide under the truck.

The semi was in the far right lane of the highway in an attempt to turn left onto McFarland, Rodriguez said.

The only passenger was a poodle, who was not injured.