Woman Facing Multiple Charges

A woman was arrested early Thursday morning after almost causing at least two accidents on North Street. A Cocke County Deputy came upon a vehicle sitting at the intersection of North and Blazer in Newport. A woman could be seen at the wheel with her head down apparently asleep. When the deputy turned on his blue lights and siren, 61 year old Margie Barnes awakened and sped off. Barnes drove into the oncoming lanes of traffic, nearly hitting two other vehicles. She then drove up an embankment, came back onto the roadway and crossed again into the opposing lane. Barnes eventually came to a stop on the sidewalk near the intersection of North and Smith Street.

Barnes told the deputy she had consumed three beers and had taken Gabapentin. She was unable to complete some field sobriety tests due to medical reasons, but failed others. She is charged with Reckless Endangerment with a Deadly Weapon, Reckless Driving, Evading Arrest and DUI.