Citation reveals new details in former Knox County lieutenant’s DUI charge

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — Last week, a Knox County corrections officer was arrested on charges including driving under the influence, and since then he has resigned from his position. The citation from the traffic stop has revealed new details about the arrest and the charges against the former lieutenant.

According to the citation, a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper conducted a traffic stop on a red 2018 Chevy Sonic around 12:15 a.m. for speeding and failing to maintain lane on Highway 411 in Vonore on Friday, August 16.

When the trooper spoke with the driver, identified as Charles Seth Miller, he noted that he could smell an alcoholic beverage and noticed an open can of “Lime-a-Rita” in the car’s cup holder. The trooper then read Miller his Miranda Rights, and the citation states Miller said he did not want to answer any questions or perform standardized field sobriety tests.

When the trooper told Miller he was under arrest and asked him to step out of the car, Miller reportedly refused several times. Instead, the citation states that Miller attempted to roll up the window and put the vehicle in drive as the trooper opened the door.

The trooper wrote in the narrative that he and Vonore officers were able to get Miller out of the vehicle, but they had to hold him to keep him from falling. Once Miller was placed in the back of the trooper’s patrol vehicle, the trooper found another open can of “Lime-a-Rita” partially hidden under the driver’s seat, 20 other empty 16-ounce cans of alcohol in the vehicle, and a loaded Beretta 9mm pistol.

The citation explained that Miller was taken to the Monroe County Jail, where he refused a blood test. Miller was charged with Driving Under the Influence, possession of a handgun under the influence, implied consent, resisting arrest, and violating open container laws.

A KCSO spokesperson previously confirmed to 6 News that Miller was hired by the sheriff’s office in June 2013. Miller, a lieutenant, had been assigned to the Roger D. Wilson Facility.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.