A Crossville man is preparing for formal arraignment following his arrest last weekend. According to the report from White County Sheriff’s personnel, it was about 8:30pm Saturday when Deputy Malone responded to a single vehicle accident on County Road 1500 off Highway 1. Medical personnel were already on scene and according to White County Ambulance Director Adam Allen, the driver, identified as 70 year old Michael Frashier, appeared uninjured. When the deputy asked Frashier how the accident happened, Frasher said he just missed his turn. In the report, the deputy said Frashier appeared off balance, and was stumbling when he wasn’t leaning on his Subaru and slurring his words. Malone also noted he smelled an odor of alcohol as Frashier was telling the deputy he’d only had two beers. Malone administered field sobriety tests which Frashier failed and subsequently placed him in custody.
Once at the White County Jail, Frashier was taken to the DUI room and issued a citation and read a Warning to Motorist. During the 20 minute observation period, the report indicates Frashier made several comments Malone took as threatening including Frashier saying he wasn’t trying to bribe the officer, but that he knew people who could harm him. Frashier would end up refusing a breathalyzer according to the report and was issued citations for Improper Lane Usage and Resisting or Obstructing a Peace officer.
Frashier had a first appearance on Monday and is scheduled for formal arraignment on December 4th.
