By Janet Kim
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Police said a man admitted to taking prescription drugs before leading police on a short chase after an officer spotted him driving the wrong way.
It started around 1 a.m. Wednesday at Hickory Boulevard and Robinson Road. An off-duty officer spotted a truck driving erratically and immediately called for backup.
Police said the driver, identified as Walter Sawyers III, continued to drive after officers tried to stop him; he even crossed into oncoming traffic on Route 45.
"Several vehicles had to swerve to avoid a head-on collision. Officers were able to quickly position themselves and deploy pursuit determination device- spike strips- and get the vehicle stopped," said Metro Police Captain Preston Brandimore.
While the off-duty officer followed the truck, other officers arrived and laid down spike strips, so the car could come to a stop.
The truck hit the spike strips, ran off the road and crashed into a traffic sign. He was taken to Metro General Hospital to be evaluated and treated for minor injuries.
Police said Sawyer admitted to taking prescription painkillers and a muscle relaxant earlier in the evening. A police affidavit said Sawyer "seemed to be in a daze" and "had bloodshot watery eyes, very slurred speech, and was unsteady on his feet".
Police also reportedly found a bottle of Carisoprodol (Soma) in his pocket, which belonged to his wife.
Sawyer allegedly refused to perform any field sobriety tests. He was charged with driving under the influence of an intoxicant and legend drug possession without prescription.
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