Thread: Driver charged with DUI in interstate wrecks

I don't know if this person is ILLEGAL or legal, however, this area of Tn/Ga {border area} was becoming inundated with Illegals 10 years ago. The Carpet area is around there. Anyone in this area who can bring us up to date?

http://www.tfponline.com/absolutenm/...5437&zoneid=41
Breaking News:
Driver charged with DUI in interstate wrecks

Monday, October 02, 2006 at 12: 36 p.m.

A driver going west in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 24 caused at least two wrecks late Sunday night, according to reports from East Ridge police.

Luis N. Lopez, 33, of Calhoun, Ga., is charged with driving under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident, evading arrest and felony reckless endangerment, Chief Eddie Phillips said.

Driving a 1998 Grey GMC Safari van, Mr. Lopez reportedly hit a tractor-trailer between Spring Creek Road and McBrien Road. He continued driving the wrong way toward the ridge cut, Chief Phillips said, striking a 2005 Ford pickup head-on just past Germantown Road.

The driver of the truck, 19-year-old Timothy Smith of Chattanooga, was not injured, according to police, as he saw the van coming and slowed down to try and avoid the accident.

After the second wreck, Mr. Lopez jumped out of his van, ran through three lanes of interstate traffic and into the woods, police said. East Ridge and Chattanooga police surrounded the area, and Chattanooga officers ultimately found the suspect hiding in a ditch, Chief Phillips said.

Mr. Lopez was taken to the Hamilton County Jail, while police investigated the possibility he may have hit at least one other vehicle, reports stated.

See tomorrow’s Chattanooga Times Free Press for full coverage.

Can't find the update

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After the second wreck, Mr. Lopez jumped out of his van, ran through three lanes of interstate traffic and into the woods, police said.

That's a pretty good indication....