Knoxville, TN (WOKI) The Knoxville Police Department took to social media Wednesday, urging the public never to get behind the wheel while under the influence of either alcohol or drugs.
The plea comes on the heels of authorities seeing a “sharp increase” in DUI reports since the start of the new year, with 118 DUI reports through Sunday, March 16 compared to 77 at the same time in 2024.
KPD reports officers responded to three notable incidents from St. Patrick’s Day weekend alone, including an incident Friday night where witnesses told police the driver was weaving in and out of traffic before driving off Chapman Highway and down a 50-foot embankment.
“Responding Knoxville Fire Department personnel administered Narcan and helped remove the driver from the vehicle,” KPD officials said. “The driver had a previous DUI and admitted to an on-scene firefighter that he used fentanyl prior to getting behind the wheel.”
The 35-year-old driver was taken to the University of Medical Center for minor injuries. He was treated and then arrested.
Click here to view the full report from the Knoxville Police Department.
