Holt Won't Halt, Charged With DUI, Felony Evading

William Matthew Holt of 88 Dorris Patton Rd., Woodbury, was charged with driving under the influence and felony evading with a motor vehicle on May 27.

Cannon County Sheriff's Deputy Tommy Barker was dispatched to the area of Bradyville Road and John Bragg Highway at 9:45 p.m. on that date in reference to a possible drunk driver turning onto Bradyville Road without his lights on. As he was approaching Bradyville Rd. Barker was notified by the dispatcher that she had received her third call from passing motorists in reference to this incident and they stated that the vehicle in question had turned on to Burt Burgen Rd. at 9:51.

Barker turned on to Burt Bergen, drove approximately two miles and noticed a white truck pass him fitting the description provided by dispatch. Barker noticed the vehicle appeared normal and did not appear to be swerving or driving erratically but was traveling at a slow rate of speed.

Barker called dispatch to get the address where the vehicle is registered, advised it was 88 Dorris Patton Rd., and headed toward that location. When he turned back on Bradyville Rd. heading south he noticed two vehicles flashing their lights as if something was wrong so he proceed to head south. As Barker came upon the intersection of Paschal Rd. and Bradville Rd. at approximately 10 p.m. he noticed the vehicle fitting the description dispatch gave was heading south in front of him.

Barker observed the vehicle going from side to side between the fog lines on both sides of the roadway. He then initiated a traffic stop by turning on his emergency lights and siren, but the vehicle accelerated to a high rate of speed in an attempt to get away.

Barker initiated pursuit, but ended it after about a mile because he noticed the headlights of another vehicle approaching from a distance. After turning off his lights and siren, Barker slowed down but continued to follow the White GMC truck, which he observed had to swerve out of the oncoming lane of traffic to miss hitting the car head on that was traveling toward their location.

Barker got behind the truck a second time about a mile from Highway 99 and again tried to stop it by engaging his emergency lights and siren. When the driver came up on the intersection of Hwy. 99 and Bradyville Rd. he tried to turn onto the highway but locked up his brakes and skidded toward the guard rail. The driver avoided hitting the rail and then turned onto Hwy. 99 where he slowed down and came to a stop on the right shoulder of the roadway.

Barker treated the traffic stop as a felony stop and with his service weapon drawn ordered the driver to show his hands. The driver cut the truck's engine off and placed both hands outside the driver's window. Barker approached the driver's window and could smell a strong odor of what appeared to be an alcoholic beverage coming from the vehicle. He ordered the driver out of the truck, and observed that the driver was barely able to stand. After ordering the driver to assume a prone position on the pavement, Barker continued to smell a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath and person. He placed his service weapon back in his holster and handcuffed the subject.

The suspect in custody was identified as William Matthew Holt from his driver's license. A check with dispatch found the license was valid. Barker helped Holt to his feet and observed that Holt could barely stand and his speech was severely slurred. Barker attempted to conduct a field sobriety test but Holt refused to participate. Barker read Holt the implied consent form and he did agree to give blood.

The vehicle was released to Holt's mother, the registered owner, and the suspect was transported to Stones River Hospital to have blood drawn and he was transported to the Cannon County Jail afterward.