BLOUNT COUNTY, Tenn. (Story courtesy of WVLT) – A Blount County commissioner is facing charges after he allegedly crashed into a backyard while intoxicated.
According to an affidavit of complaint obtained by WVLT News, officers with the Maryville Police Department responded to the 300 block of South Fourth Street just after midnight on April 4.
On the scene, officers spoke to Earl McMahan, Jr., who needed help getting out of his car after he crashed through someone’s fence and another 40-50 feet into their backyard, coming to rest in a ditch.
While helping McMahan to an ambulance, officers said he was “extremely unsteady on his feet” and had a strong odor of alcohol on his breath. Additionally, McMahan “would randomly become distracted and grab onto objects for balance” as officers tried to get him into the ambulance, including “ripping up a damaged fence post from his accident.”
Because of how unsteady McMahan was on his feet, officers did not perform sobriety tests. Before the car was towed from the scene, officers said they also found a loaded firearm inside the car.
He was charged with DUI and possession of a handgun while under the influence.
McMahan currently serves as a commissioner for Blount County District 1. However, he is not seeking reelection for his seat on the commission.
