Putnam County, TN – A truck driver was arrested last week and charged with driving under the influence, along with multiple other charges, after a tire on his semi-truck blew, resulting in a crash on Interstate 40.

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Michael James Stephenson, 33, of Gastonia, NC was operating a big rig along I-40 westbound near mile marker 281 on Thursday when the vehicle’s left front tire blew out.

Stephenson lost control of the rig and veered off the left shoulder of the interstate and down an embankment into a tree line, officials say.

Upon further investigation, THP determined Stephenson was “impaired by marijuana” at the time of the crash.

In addition to being charged with driving under the influence, he was also cited for not having a log book, not having insurance nor a medical card.

His passenger, Brandi A. Stephenson, 30, also of Gastonia, NC, was charged with simple possession.

Photo courtesy Gastonia County Jail from a previous arrest

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