Impaired Driver Sent to Prison for Twelve Years

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s DUI Unit obtained a twelve-year sentence against an impaired driver with thirteen prior DUI convictions. Dennis William Bunch, 52, pled guilty to Driving Under the Influence: Sixth or Subsequent Offense. At a sentencing hearing, Judge Bob McGee ordered Bunch to serve twelve years in prison.

At the hearing, Assistant District Attorney Greg Eshbaugh explained to the Court that on June 22, 2017, Officer Philip Elkins with the Knox County Sheriff’s Office responded to a single-vehicle wreck on East Beaver Creek Drive. Passengers in the vehicle identified Bunch as the driver. Bunch was attempting to flee the scene with the aid of a walker, but he was apprehended. Bunch admitted drinking six beers but refused to perform field sobriety tests. Ofc. Elkins contacted the DA’s Office for assistance in obtaining a search warrant to draw Bunch’s blood. Tennessee Bureau of Investigation crime lab analysis showed Bunch’s blood alcohol content to be 0.168, twice the legal limit.

“DUI enforcement saves lives,” said DA Charme Allen.”This offender’s history shows that he is a danger to the community.”

Bunch has thirteen prior DUI convictions out of Knox, Loudon, and Grainger Counties. He has seven prior felony convictions, including convictions for Voluntary Manslaughter and Escape.

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.