Drugged Driver Convicted after Collision on I-40

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s DUI Unit obtained convictions against an impaired driver who crashed into another vehicle on I-40 near the West Hills exit. John Christopher Chapman, 42, was convicted of Driving Under the Influence and Reckless Endangerment. Judge Steve Sword set the case for sentencing on February 1.

At trial, Assistant District Attorney Heather Good explained to the jury that on August 4, 2016, just before 9:00 AM, Chapman was swerving between multiple lanes of traffic on I-40 before he struck another vehicle near the West Hills exit. Knoxville Police Department Officers Benjamin McVay and Jason Culvahouse responded to the crash and administered field sobriety tests to Chapman. After failing the tests, Chapman submitted to a blood draw that revealed the presence of methamphetamine, methadone, and alprazolam.

“Drugged driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving,” said DA Charme Allen.

Since this is a DUI First Offense, Chapman faces a sentence of eleven months and twenty-nine days with a minimum of forty-eight hours in jail. His license will be suspended for one year, and he must complete DUI school and pay a $350 fine. At the sentencing hearing in February, Judge Sword will determine how much of the sentence Chapman must serve in custody.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.