Loudon driver runs into ditch

Loudon driver runs into ditch, gets arrested

A wreck late Tuesday night led to a Loudon man being arrested on drug and DUI charges.

Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputy Dalton Rinehart said it was around 10:15 p.m. when he responded to a one-car accident on Oak Grove Road outside of Madisonville.

Rinehart said when he arrived on the scene a witness told him a truck had run into a ditch near Tri-County Department, then drove onto some rocks. Rinehart said when he got there the truck was sitting in the Fire Department’s parking lot.

Rinehart said the driver was identified as Billy Lynn Bishop, 46, Bishop Road, Loudon. Rinehart said Bishop was sitting in the driver’s seat and had bloodshot eyes, drool on his chin and spoke with slow, slurred speech.

When Rinehart asked for a license, he said Bishop seemed confused and had trouble locating the license. He told Rinehart he had low blood sugar levels and was on pain pills but refused any EMS attention. Then, the jail informed Rinehart that there was an active warrant for Bishop’s arrest.

Rinehart said he gave Bishop some field sobriety tests and Bishop allegedly started “nodding off” and nearly fell over. Rinehart said at one point Bishop started screaming and said he was angry, and Rinehart decided to arrest him.

Bishop reported yelled “no” and walked away, charging into another deputy who had arrived on the scene. Rinehart said Bishop fought both deputies until Rinehart hit him with his Taser and he was taken into custody.

Rinehart said, once at the jail, Bishop submitted to a blood test, but said he had “ice” and marijuana in his system.

When Bishop was searched at the jail a packet of a white crystal substance believed to be meth was found in his pocket, according to Rinehart. The deputy said he also saw track marks on Bishop’s arms.

Bishop is charged with possession of meth, DUI and resisting arrest.

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11/1/17