On Sunday at approximately 10:40 a.m. County deputies were dispatched to I-40 Westbound for a reckless driver driving a green Mazda hatchback all over the roadway. An off-duty officer stated that the green Mazda had already hit a guardrail a few times.

Dispatch had also advised that the driver of the Mazda had stopped in the Middle Lane of I-40 and began urinating in the middle of the road.

Deputies Winningham, Alvarez, and Moore responded, and Deputy Winningham said in his report the rear bumper was about to fall off in the left lane as the car was traveling westbound. Winningham initiated lights and sirens and the driver continued but would eventually slow down to 35 mph and turn his flashers on. He would pull to the left-hand side of the interstate underneath the overpass of Peavine Road.

The driver was identified as Anthony Pena and is described in the report as having glossy bloodshot eyes and a very strong odor of alcohol coming from him and also had his hands tucked under his armpits. Deputies observed that he didn’t speak English and had several open alcoholic beverages on the passenger floorboard.

Pena was pulled from the vehicle, and placed in custody while Deputy Winningham searched the vehicle. Due to the heavy traffic, Pena would be transferred to the Cumberland County Justice Center for field sobriety tests.

Pena was unable to follow directions due to his highly intoxicated state and was charged with DUI, driving without a license, and reckless driving.