Motorcyclist Convicted of Impaired Driving for Third Time

Prosecutors in DA Charme Allen’s DUI Unit obtained convictions against a driver who was so impaired he could not operate a stationary motorcycle. Donnie Bridges, 66, was convicted of Driving Under the Influence Third Offense, Simple Possession of Cocaine, and Driving on a Revoked License. Judge Bob McGee set his case for sentencing on April 11.

At trial, Assistant District Attorney Greg Eshbaugh and Acting Assistant District Attorney Ethan Copeland explained to the jury that on July 31, 2014, Knox County Sheriff’s Office Ofc. Donald Ferrell responded to a 911 call at the Weigel’s gas station at 6802 Central Avenue Pike. Witnesses told officers that Bridges nearly struck the gas pumps with his Harley Davidson motorcycle. When he stopped his motorcycle, Bridges fell over to his left. He then picked his motorcycle up and fell over to his right. A witness helped Bridges pick the motorcycle back up and removed the keys. Bridges also admitted throwing a bag of cocaine in a nearby trash can when officers arrived. Bridges was unable to perform field sobriety tests, but analysis of his blood revealed a blood alcohol content of 0.114, above the legal limit of 0.08.

DUI Third Offense is a Class A misdemeanor that carries a punishment of up to eleven months and twenty-nine days. The mandatory minimum for a DUI Third Offense is one hundred and twenty days in custody and a license revocation of six years. The jury also assessed a fine of $10,000.

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.