November 1, 2024
By: Dwayne Page
A motorist allegedly driving drunk with two children in his vehicle at the time was recently arrested.
40-year-old Victor Alfonso Nava of Cookeville is charged with two counts of child abuse or neglect, driving under the influence, evading arrest, reckless endangerment, and no valid driver license. He is under a $26,000 bond and his court date is November 14.
Sheriff Patrick Ray said that on October 25 a deputy was patrolling South Mountain Street when he spotted a black BMW traveling up to 80 miles per hour in a posted 40 mile per hour speed zone and it crossed the dotted line of the highway. The officer turned on his emergency lights and siren signaling for the driver to pull over and while he slowed Nava initially did not stop and passed several roads and parking lots. After a short pursuit Nava finally stopped.
According to the deputy, Nava smelled of alcohol and his eyes were red and glossy. He was also unsteady on his feet. Nava admitted to having consumed two or three drinks earlier and he submitted to but performed poorly on field sobriety tasks. Two children, ages 8 months and 3 years, were passengers in the vehicle with him. Also found were three empty containers of alcohol still cold to the touch. A background check through central dispatch revealed that Nava had no driver license, only an ID.