LAFOLLETTE, TN. (WLAF)- Around 11 pm on June 2 LaFollette Police Officer Dillion Marney saw a black GMC Yukon driving east in the right hand lane failing to maintain their lane. The vehicle swerved repeatedly, crossing the fog line and the center dotted line several times.  Marney activated his emergency lights and stopped the vehicle in front of Walgreen’s. As Marney was getting out of his vehicle he saw the driver opening the door of the Yukon. Marney told the driver to shut the door and stay in the vehicle to which he allegedly responded “What?” Marney told him a second time and he responded “Huh?” He was told a third time to stay in the vehicle as Marney approached the door.

When Marney got close the driver, identified as Travis Hudgins, he noticed that he had dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. According to a report from the LaFollette Police Department, Hudgins smelled of alcoholic beverages. When ask if he had been drinking, he stated “I have had a few drinks.” He was then asked how long ago he had been drinking and responded “about an hour ago”

Marney allegedly observed he had dilated pupils and bloodshot eyes. He also smelled a strong odor of alcoholic beverages coming from him and his breath while talking to him. Marney asked   Hudgins, if he had been drinking, to which he allegedly replied, “I have had a few drinks.” He then asked how long ago he had been drinking and he replied, “about an hour ago, just before I left the house to go get food from Burger King.”  Marney asked the defendant, for his license and he searched for his wallet and then handed his wallet to Marney who told him “I need your driver’s license.” Hudgins fumbled his wallet to get his driver’s license out.

He then asked Hudgins for registration and proof of insurance. Hudgins searched for his registration and provided Marney with it. When asked for his insurance card; he fumbled in the glove box and provided Marney with another registration. Marney told the Hudgins it was another registration and he needed his insurance. At that time, Marney told Hudgins he would be back and stay in the vehicle. He then requested Sgt. Tim Collingsworth come to his location.

Dispatch advised Marney that Hudgins license had been revoked due to an interlocking device. He went back to Hudgins with Collingsworth and asked Hudgins if he had his interlock device in his vehicle. Collingsworth allegedly observed something unplugged and asked him if that was his interlock device. Hudgins said yes, according to the report. When Hudgins performed poorly on a sobriety test, he was arrested.

Hudgins, 49, 487 Lake Drive Lane, LaFollette is charged with DUI 3rd offense, violation implied consent law and driving on revoked.  

(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 6/18/2024- 6AM)

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