Coopertown, Tennessee
On May 1, 2019, around 2:30 pm, Chief Tyler Haley of Coopertown Police Department was conducting traffic enforcement on Hwy 49W in and during the active school zone. Chief Haley observed a red, Ford F-150 traveling at 47 mph in the active 20 mph school zone and saw the driver was using a handheld mobile device while driving. Upon initiating a traffic stop at Apache Trail and Hwy 49W, Chief Haley found Tommy Lynn Watts as the sole occupant and in control of the vehicle.
Mr. Watts stated his license was revoked for DUI and he did not have insurance. As Chief Haley spoke with Mr. Watts, he detected an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from Mr. Watts’ breath and inside the vehicle. Mr. Watts admitted to consuming a lot of alcohol up until 1:30 am that morning. Based on Chief’s investigation, to include conducting Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, it was determined Mr. Watts was driving under the influence of an intoxicant.
Mr. Watts was arrested and charged with DUI 6th or subsequent offense, driving on revoked license 11th offense, reckless endangerment (due to endangering the lives of the public, including the children being dismissed from school), financial responsibility, and speeding. Mr. Watts’ vehicle was seized due to being used in the commission of driving on revoked for DUI and DUI 6th or subsequent offense. Mr. Watts was found guilty of DUI 6th or subsequent offense, and the remainder of the charges were dismissed – Nolle Prosequi. Mr. Watts is currently incarcerated, serving a 6-year sentence for the DUI. His Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) was almost 3 times the legal limit.
References
Google. (n.d.). [Google Maps location of Hwy 49 school zone]. https://www.google.com/maps/@36.4396959,-86.9686903,16.5z
