La Follette woman is free on bond today for third or more driving under the influence charge

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- A vehicle fails to yield, and the driver is jailed as a result. La Follette Police Lieutenant Shane Tielman saw a black 2023 Toyota Rav4 SUV roll through a stop sign at the intersection of Jacksboro Pike and West Central Avenue. According to a March 27 report from the LaFollette Police Department, the vehicle, eastbound in the wrong lane, almost crashed into Tielman’s patrol car heading west.

Lt. Tielman caught up to the SUV, heading into La Follette, near West Central Avenue at 9th Street. Prior to stopping the Toyota, the lieutenant noticed that it changed lanes from the left to the right then moved to the shoulder of the road. Lt. Tielman stopped the SUV in front of the First Baptist Church on West Central Avenue. When Lt. Tielman made contact with the driver, identified as Sommer Martin, he noticed a strong odor of alcohol beverage coming from Martin as well as her slurred speech and glossy eyes.

While the lieutenant was talking with Martin, he watched as she was swaying and keeping a wide stance for balance. Martin was asked to perform a field sobriety test to which she refused, based on the police report.  Martin was placed under arrest and read her Miranda warnings.

Martin, 32, 226 Sandy Circle, La Follette was charged with DUI with three or more prior convictions, violation implied consent law, failure to exercise due care, reckless driving, failure to yield right of way, obedience to required traffic control device, violation open container law and reckless endangerment. Martin is free on a $5,000 bond awaiting a May 15 court date, reset from April 10.

This is Martin’s second arrest in 2025 for DUI, according to jail records. The other was in January (01/17), and she is out on a $10,000 bond next due in court on this charge April 22, based on court documents. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-04/14/2025-6AM)

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