Two people riding in the Smithville Christmas Parade Saturday were injured and the operator of the vehicle was arrested after he lost control, went off the road on Webb Street, and wrecked after the parade ended.
39 year old Curtis Lee Adams of Dearman Street was charged with driving under the influence.
Those injured, Todd Van Dyne and Haston Austin Waggoner, were taken to DeKalb Community Hospital. Waggoner was treated and released but Van Dyne was later transferred to Cookeville Regional Medical Center for further treatment.
Adams was operating an ST 4 x 4 all terrain utility vehicle pulling two small trailers loaded with people, including children, when the accident occurred. Adams had already gone around the public square during the parade. After the parade at the time of the accident, Adams was east on Webb Street near the intersection of First Street. Officer Travis Bryant says the ST 4 x 4 went off the right side of the street, over an embankment, and struck a tree. The trailers jackknifed and some of the passengers were ejected. Van Dyne was pinned between one of the trailers and the utility vehicle. Officer Bryant says the trailer had to be moved to free Van Dyne from the wreckage.
Officials say Adams was no longer in the parade route when he wrecked, since the parade is basically over after it reaches the public square area.
Officer Bryant’s arrest report states that ” At approximately 1:47 p.m. I responded to Webb Street in response to a motor vehicle accident involving a Christmas Parade float. Upon arrival, I made contact with Curtis Adams, who was the driver of the ATV. As I was gathering information, I spoke with Adams, who appeared to be impaired. I asked him if he would submit to field sobriety tests to which he agreed but he advised me that he had back problems. Adams had slurred speech, was unsteady on his feet, and his pupils were dilated. I advised him that he was under arrest for DUI. He did submit to a blood test.”
According to the Affidavit of Complaint filed by Bryant, ” Adams had slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet. He performed poorly on all field sobriety tasks and did take a blood test. Mr. Adams has a prescription for hydrocodone by a doctor.”
Adams’ bond is set at $1,000 and he is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on the charge January 3rd.
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