On just about any Saturday, men can be found aimlessly wandering around Tennessee shopping centers. Some are walking along the shopping corridors; others are waiting on nearby benches. A few even decide to wait in their car and perhaps even catch a nap or perhaps even drive around the parking lot to pass the time. The majority of these men are waiting on a wife, girlfriend, daughter or some other such person to finish shopping and finally relieve them of their boredom. The possibility of such an adventure ending in an arrest for drunk driving just doesn't seem likely.
Yet, one Johnson County Commissioner was recently arrested while sleeping in his car, which was parked in a shopping center lot. According to reports, a vehicle matching his was seen being operated in a reckless manner through the parking lot. When police arrived, they found the commissioner's car parked in two parking spaces with the man asleep at the wheel.
Officers apparently woke him and determined that he was somewhat confused and had difficulty speaking clearly. Field sobriety tests were performed, and he was arrested and charged with drunk driving. He was then transported to a local hospital where a blood alcohol test could be performed. Results of this test have not been released.
In a situation such as this one, it could be understandable that an individual patiently waiting in a parking lot could fall asleep. Then, after being woken up in such an abrupt manner, some form of confusion and disorientation may be understandable. Prior to this case or one similar to it being presented before a Tennessee court, the accused individual will want an attorney experienced in drunk driving cases to review the evidence and facts. This is an important step in making sure that the individual's rights are protected.
Source: wjhl.com, "Report: Johnson County commissioner 'slumped over wheel', charged with DUI", Jordan Moore, Oct. 8, 2017
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