A man has been arrested on multiple charges stemming from three separate hit-and-runs along Interstate 40 last Tuesday.
The man, 49-year-old Michael Lowe of Knoxville, was travelling eastbound on I-40 when he crashed into three different vehicles at mile markers 251, 252 and 257, respectively. Two of the vehicles involved were rear-ended, including one being run off the roadway and into the median.
Lowe fled the scene of each accident and proceeded to the Gordonsville exit (258).
Descriptions of Lowe’s vehicle, a gray 2011 Toyota Corolla, were given by witnesses, leading to his discovery by law enforcement in the parking lot behind Arby’s.
Upon contact with Lowe, Trooper Brandon Jackson with the Tennessee Highway Patrol describes him as having red, watery eyes, constricted pupils, a smell slightly of alcohol, and appearing to be under the influence.
Lowe submitted to five field sobriety tests, four of which he performed poorly.
Lowe was transported to the Smith County Jail facility for booking.
Charges include DUI (1st offense), property damage, leaving the scene of an accident, and reckless endangerment.
Only one person involved in the three crashes sustained injuries — minor enough that they did not require transportation to the hospital.
Michael Darin Lowe
