On October 13th Officer Nicholas Brendle of the Fairfield Glade Police Department pulled behind a black Corvette traveling down Stonehenge Drive approaching Peavine Road. Brendle had watched the vehicle travel from the 120 units of Wilshire Heights Drive, approach the red light at the intersection of Peavine and Stonehenge, and then turn around at the red light and begin traveling back down Stonehenge and into the parking lot across from the Wyndham check-in building.

The vehicle then traveled quickly through the parking lot and without stopping on to Wilshire Heights Drive attempted to turn into the first set of condos that it had come from; however, the vehicle missed the turn and crossed into the oncoming Lane of traffic and the grass on the left side of the road.

The vehicle then began backing towards Officer Brendel’s vehicle which is when the officer exited the vehicle and ordered the driver to place the Corvette into Park.

As the officer approached, the driver asked why the officer was ‘messing with him’ and initially refused to place the vehicle in park. After opening his door and repeatedly ordering him to shut the vehicle off, the driver would comply.

Officer Brendle states in his report that he noticed the smell of alcoholic beverages coming from the driver as well as glassy eyes.

Brendle identified the driver as Michael Yoakam from previous interactions, and the driver repeatedly stated that he was retired law enforcement.

After turning the vehicle off and stepping out, Yoakam tried to deny he had been drinking but would admit to only having a little alcohol. However, he refused field sobriety tests, which is when he was detained by Officer Brendle.

Sergeant Hammonds arrived on the scene and this is when the subject complied with field sobriety tests, but after being read his Miranda rights he said he did not understand his rights and then refused the sobriety tests again.

It was at this point that Yoakam was placed under arrest and transported to Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office on charges of driving under the influence.