On May 2, 2025, at approximately 11:05 AM, Deputy Nikolas Brendel of the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office observed a black Ford F-150, driven by Nicholas Lee Padgett, slow significantly and abruptly pull into the Casa Grande parking lot at Peavine Rd in Fairfield Glade, upon noticing the patrol vehicle, suggesting an attempt to avoid law enforcement.

The vehicle’s registration had expired. Padgett, a 27-year-old from Crossville, was seen walking to a nearby Shell station, avoiding eye contact with the officer. Upon contact, he claimed he was waiting for his wife and denied consuming alcohol, but Deputy Brendel detected an alcohol odor from the vehicle. Padgett admitted to having a bottle of vodka and cranberry juice, partially consumed, and a Voodoo Ranger beer can used as a spit container was found.

Field sobriety tests indicated impairment, with Padgett showing 2/6 signs on the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, 2/8 signs on the walk and turn test, and 4/4 signs on the one-leg stand, despite his claim that muscular dystrophy affected his balance.

Additional clues were noted by Cpl. Janow. Based on the alcohol odor, open containers, test results, and Padgett’s admission of consumption, he was arrested on-view at 11:30 AM for driving under the influence.

A blood draw was conducted at Cumberland Medical Center, yielding two vials for testing, and Padgett was cited for expired registration.

His father retrieved the vehicle and a dog from the scene.