Knoxville, TN (WOKI / WVLT) – A Knoxville man has been found guilty of driving under the influence after a 2023 traffic stop on Callahan Drive.
According to the Knox County District Attorney’s Office, Samuel Bivens was observed by police driving on the wrong side of the road and making an illegal U-turn on December 19, 2023. Officers also reported the vehicle swerving between lanes before initiating a traffic stop in a nearby hotel parking lot.
Investigators say Bivens told officers he was unfamiliar with the area and was searching for a bar. Authorities noted he displayed signs of impairment, including slurred speech and difficulty maintaining balance during field sobriety tests.
A search of the vehicle reportedly turned up marijuana paraphernalia, marijuana residue, and several beer cans. Prosecutors say Bivens initially refused a blood test and made false statements to officers, but a warrant was later obtained.
Test results showed his blood alcohol content was 0.149, nearly double the legal limit.
Bivens was convicted of DUI, third offense, following a two-day trial. He is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30 and faces a minimum of 120 days behind bars.
