LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF) – The driver of a 2004 red Dodge Neon was not wearing a seat belt, and that triggered a response from a La Follette police officer around 8:30 am Thursday.

LPD Officer Cheyenne White was headed in the opposite direction of Travis Prewitt when she saw that he allegedly did not have his seat belt fastened. White pulled Prewitt over on the shoulder of West Central Avenue.

White said Prewitt seemed agitated when he was asked for his driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance, and he quickly handed his driver’s license to White staring straight ahead at the road. When asked about his registration and proof of insurance, Prewitt allegedly threw his hands up and yelled, “I just was pulled over for this a few days ago.” He was unable to provide the requested documentation.

White observed Prewitt’s speech was slurred and soon verified that he was wanted out of criminal court for a parole violation. White asked Prewitt to step out of his Neon. According to the report from the LPD, Prewitt rushed back to his car, shut the door on the officer and attempted to place the Dodge in drive.

Prewitt was ordered to turn his vehicle off and get out of the car several times. Prewitt refused to comply and allegedly became combative. Other officers arrived, and they and White handcuffed Prewitt and placed him in the back of the patrol car.

As White drove Prewitt to the Campbell County Jail, she noticed he kept nodding off, not able to sit up straight. Prewitt’s eyes kept rolling to the back of his head, he was fidgeting and had uncontrolled mouth movements based on the LPD report. Prewitt’s combative actions continued with jail personnel.

Prewitt, 42, 145 Chadwell Hollow Lane, Jellico, was charged with the seat belt law, DUI (driving under the influence), drivers to exercise due care, stop-halt-frisk and violation of probation. Jail records indicate that this was Prewitt’s 18th arrest, that he remains in jail without bond and is due in court on Thursday. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/25/2022-6AM)