Truck driver literally jumps in a lake trying to escape DUI arrest

A truck driver jumped into a lake trying to escape arrest in Tennessee last week. 

The incident happened on August 13th in DeKalb County. 

According to WJLE News, Sheriff Patrick Ray received reports of an alleged drunk driver along Highway 70 east and headed over to investigate. When Ray arrived, he witnessed a white semi truck cross into the right shoulder of the highway, nearly striking several road signs and mail boxes before returning to the proper lane. 

Ray then pulled the truck over and was met by the smell of alcohol and marijuana. The driver, 35-year-old Christopher Paul Ashlock, was also reported to have bloodshot eyes. 

Ashlock submitted to field sobriety tests but performed poorly, and was soon placed under arrest. After being placed in the back of the patrol car with his hands cuffed behind his back, Ashlock somehow managed to open the door and flee the scene, eventually jumping into nearby Center Hill Lake near Sligo Marina in an attempt to swim away. 

Shortly after Ashlock’s escape, officers were able to board a boat and catch up with him, bringing him back into custody and booking him.

Ashlock has been charged with driving under the influence, escape, and resisting stop , frisk, halt, or arrest and is being held on $8,500 bond. 

He is scheduled to appear in court on September 3rd.