CHEATHAM COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — Cheatham County authorities took a man into custody Wednesday night who has a 46-year criminal history that includes multiple arrests for driving under the influence (DUI) and other offenses.
According to a report, a deputy from the Cheatham County Sheriff’s Office clocked a car going 73 mph in a 55 mph zone on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The deputy tried to stop the vehicle, but 65-year-old Minos Lumpkin Fletcher kept driving. Shortly afterward, Fletcher stopped in a steep driveway that led to his home.
When the deputy got out of his car, he saw that Fletcher was also stepping out. The deputy ordered him back into his vehicle.
On the dash camera footage, you can see Fletcher’s car start to roll back toward the deputy and his vehicle. The deputy yelled at him to put the car in park, but instead, Fletcher accelerated up the long driveway. The deputy followed him until Fletcher parked by his garage, at which point the deputy performed a felony stop.
The deputy’s body camera captured the interaction between him and Fletcher over the next few minutes:
Deputy: “What are you doing, man?”
Fletcher: “I just tried to come home.”
…
Deputy: “Where’s your ID and driver’s license?”
Fletcher: “I don’t have one.”
…
Deputy: “Have you been drinking tonight?”
Fletcher: “Yes, sir.”
…
Deputy: “How much have you had to drink tonight?”
Fletcher: “I just went to the liquor store.”
Per the arrest report, the deputy said he noticed a very strong smell of alcohol coming from Fletcher. The deputy also noted that during the field sobriety tests, Fletcher had difficulty maintaining his balance.
After failing a test, Fletcher said, “Just take me to jail.”
The deputy cuffed Fletcher and then checked his vehicle, where he found two bottles of Tito’s Vodka and a shot of Fireball.
News 2 looked into Fletcher’s criminal history. Jail officials said he had no priors in Cheatham County. However, based on Davidson County arrest records, Fletcher has a lengthy history that goes back decades.
News 2 found multiple DUI arrests. According to the Metro Nashville Police Department, the first was in 1979, but there was another one in 1999. The Dickson County sheriff told News 2 that Fletcher was also arrested for DUI in that county in 2008.
In addition, Davidson County records show Fletcher has priors for driving on a revoked license, assault, and resisting arrest.
Once he was arrested in Cheatham County Wednesday night, Fletcher consented to a blood draw at the hospital in Ashland City. Then, after being charged with DUI, he made bond. Fletcher is due in court next month.
News 2 tried calling Fletcher twice for his reaction to this incident. He answered both times, but attempts at communication were unsuccessful.
