On June 10, 2025, at approximately 6:00 AM, Crossville Police Department responded to reports of a reckless driver in a blue Mazda on Industrial Boulevard, who had crashed, caused damage at Aviagen, and fled the scene. Officer Tristan Wright located the vehicle at the fire hall on Industrial and identified the driver as Stephen Atilano.

The vehicle showed significant damage, and Officer Wright, based on his training, suspected Atilano was intoxicated, though initially masked by smoke from the car. Atilano struggled to produce his driver’s license, initially handing over a homeland security paper instead of his learner’s permit, which was confirmed through a license check.

Observing signs of intoxication, including a strong alcohol odor once away from the vehicle, Officer Wright conducted field sobriety tests. Atilano failed the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, showing nystagmus and lack of smooth pursuit, and performed poorly on the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests, admitting to drinking earlier.

He was arrested for DUI, driving without a valid license, and leaving the scene of an accident. A search warrant for a blood draw was granted and executed at 7:08 AM at the hospital. At the Cumberland County Justice Center, Officer McNeal obtained video evidence from Aviagen’s manager, confirming Atilano damaged a water line and gate.