On September 7, 2025, at approximately 12:27 AM, Deputies Caleb Cathey and Tyler Leary responded to a vehicular accident without injuries on Lantana Rd in Crossville. While managing the scene, they encountered a blue Kia Optima driven by Shona Jean Dennis, which failed to follow their traffic directions, exhibiting atypical behavior by stopping, reversing, and parking.

Upon approaching Dennis, Deputy Cathey observed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, unsteadiness, and a strong artificial fragrance, suggesting an attempt to mask an odor. A consensual encounter turned into a lawful detention, and Dennis consented to Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) and a vehicle search. During SFSTs, Dennis displayed significant impairment, failing the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus, Walk and Turn, and One Leg Stand tests, showing poor balance, non-compliance with instructions, and physical signs of intoxication.

A search of her vehicle revealed a bottle of Crown Royal in the trunk, a plastic cup with Crown Royal in the driver’s area, and a loaded Ruger LCP handgun on the passenger seat. Dennis admitted to consuming the alcohol the previous day while parked but was arrested at 1:17 AM for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Possession of a Handgun While Under the Influence, due to evidence of intoxication exceeding legal limits for safe vehicle operation.

Two vials of blood were seized as evidence.

Dennis, a 55-year-old white female, was charged with DUI and handgun possession, with a court date set for September 29, 2025, and bonds of $2,000 and $3,000, respectively.