Country Star Busted for Alleged Drunk Driving

Sam Hunt charged with DUI in East Nashville
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 21, 2019 1:40 PM CST
Country Star Busted for Alleged Drunk Driving
Performer Sam Hunt poses for a photograph in his trailer after performing at the Super Bowl 50 Tailgate Party Sunday, Feb.7, 2016, in Santa Clara, Calif.   (AP Photo/John Carucc)

Last month, Sam Hunt was performing a Reba McEntire hit at CMT's Artists of the Year awards show. This month, the country music star known for such songs as "Body Like a Back Road" is charged with a DUI, People reports. Hunt, 34, was allegedly driving his truck the wrong way on Ellington Parkway in East Nashville in the wee hours of Thursday when police started following him; they say he crossed the center lane a few times before he was pulled over, WSMV reports.

The officers who stopped him say he smelled like alcohol, had watery bloodshot eyes, and was seated next to two empty beers. He also allegedly struggled to retrieve his driver's license, which was in his lap, instead giving officers his passport and a credit card. Police say he admitted he had been drinking; a field sobriety test allegedly found him to be impaired, and the ensuing breathalyzer test allegedly put him at a blood alcohol level of .173%, more than twice the state's legal limit of .08% for driving. In addition to the DUI, he was hit with an open container violation. He was released on bond and has a court date scheduled for January. (More DUI stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X