Concerned Motorist Leads to DUI Conviction

An intoxicated driver was convicted of DUI after a concerned citizen who observed a vehicle driving on the wrong side of the road called 911. Prosecutors in Charme Allen’s DUI Unit convicted Lakisha M. Johnson, 27, of Driving Under the Influence First Offense.

Assistant District Attorney Danielle Jones explained that shortly after noon on May 14, 2015, a citizen observed Johnson driving on Straw Plains Pike on the wrong side of the road. The citizen followed Johnson for several miles and watched her cross into oncoming traffic and nearly run off the road numerous times. The citizen called 911 and followed Johnson to a gas station. At the gas station, Johnson gave the citizen her car keys and told him she was high on methamphetamine. Knox County Sheriff’s Office Officer Jeremy Wise responded and administered field sobriety tests, which Johnson failed. A subsequent blood test confirmed that Johnson had methamphetamine in her system.

“If you see someone driving erratically, don’t hesitate to call law enforcement,” said DA Charme Allen.”This was a very dangerous situation that could have very easily resulted in a fatal motor vehicle accident. Because of the actions of a concerned citizen, a tragedy was avoided.”

As a result of the DUI conviction, Johnson will spend eleven months and twenty-nine days on probation after serving forty-eight hours in jail. She must also complete DUI School and twenty-four hours of litter pick-up, and her driver’s license will be revoked for a period of one year. Additionally, Johnson must complete an alcohol and drug assessment to determine what treatment programs she should attend.

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.