Five sober drivers in Tennessee have filed federal lawsuits against police officers who arrested them for driving under the influence (DUI). One of these lawsuits has already resulted in a $75,000 settlement. These legal actions are part of an ongoing investigation into wrongful DUI arrests. The drivers allege that they were wrongfully arrested despite being sober, leading to significant personal and professional consequences.
Roger Lewis, one of the plaintiffs, was arrested by Mt. Juliet police officers after performing a field sobriety test that he claims was inappropriate due to his medical condition. Lewis has neuropathy and has undergone six knee surgeries, making it difficult for him to complete the test. Body camera footage from the arrest shows him struggling to maintain balance. Despite explaining his condition to the officers, he was arrested. His bloodwork later confirmed he was sober, and the charges were dismissed.
In his lawsuit, Lewis accuses the officers of false arrest and malicious prosecution. He states that the traumatic experience has had lasting effects on his mental health, including sleep disturbances and anxiety. Lewis is seeking justice not only for himself but also for the other individuals who have been wrongfully arrested under similar circumstances.
These lawsuits are part of a broader issue uncovered by investigative reporting, which found that over 600 individuals in Tennessee were arrested for DUI between 2017 and 2023, despite being sober. The investigations have led to public outcry and legislative action aimed at addressing the problem. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is now required to document and report instances of sober individuals being arrested for DUI, including identifying the police agencies involved.
