TUPELO, MS – On January 22, 2021, Natchez Trace Parkway law enforcement arrested a commercial vehicle operator for driving while under the influence of drugs near Milepost 265.
The arresting park ranger had just completed a motor vehicle crash investigation and was waiting for a tow truck when he observed a commercial box truck on the Parkway. The park ranger approached the truck, and a strong odor of marijuana was detected. During the D.U.I. investigation, the driver admitted to smoking marijuana prior to being stopped. The park ranger observed additional signs of impairment which led to standard field sobriety tests. The driver performed poorly and was taken into custody.
Chief Ranger Prashant Lotwala stated, “Regarding the incident from this morning, a box truck being driven by someone who is potentially impaired really equates to high risk to our National Park visitors. I am glad he was stopped, and an enforcement action was taken.”
Media Release/ Chief Ranger Prashant Lotwala/Natchez Trace Parkway
