Community reacts to commissioner charged with DUI - WSMV Channel 4
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A county commissioner is in trouble with the law for allegedly driving under the influence Thursday night.
Cheatham County Commissioner David Davidson has been a commissioner for more than a decade, and he remains popular with residents in many parts of the county.
His arrest on suspicion of DUI wasn't his first, and some are now questioning whether he should stay in office. But others don't seem to mind.
Normally one of Cheatham County's most outspoken leaders, our news crew was unable to track Davidson down at his home in Pegram on Friday, just hours after he bonded out of jail.
"I am concerned, yes sir. I am concerned," said John Haines, chairman of the Cheatham County Commission.
Haines said the county will now consider what, if any, action it needs to take after Davidson's fourth DUI arrest.
The first three of those arrests, however, each occurred more than 10 years ago before he took office.
"If there is an ongoing problem, I think we have to consult our county attorney. As a matter of fact, I have a call in for our attorney now," Haines said.
According to police, an off-duty officer spotted Davidson drinking beer at a market near his home on River Road, staggering with slurred speech.
Shortly after Davidson pulled out of the parking lot, the officer pulled him over and said Davidson admitted to having two beers. The officer said Davidson then failed two field sobriety tests.
Outside the market Friday, Davidson's constituents seemed to have mixed reactions to the news of his arrest.
"Is it surprising to hear about that? Yes it is," one woman said.
"I don't care whether he was drunk or not. It wasn't any of your business," another woman said. "I don't care if he's been arrested 100 times. He was right next door."
According to police, officers also found an unopened six-pack of beer in Davidson's truck.
Authorities drew a blood sample from Davidson, so the measure of his blood alcohol level should be released soon.
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