A Memorial Day boat outing on Old Hickory Lake took a dangerous turn when a vessel capsized, leading to the arrest of the boat's operator for boating under the influence, officials say. Calls for help near the Old Hickory Beach Access Area on Burnett Road sparked a response from Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers shortly before 9 p.m. Monday, reports WKRN.
The boat's captain, identified as 34-year-old Bryce Braden, allegedly admitted to officers that he was at the helm when the boat flipped. According to FOX 17, Braden's predicament was compounded by his previous DUI conviction in Davidson County, in 2018. Observing signs of intoxication, including slurred speech, glassy and watery eyes, and the smell of alcohol, officers determined there was probable cause to arrest him.
Field sobriety tests were administered, with Braden exhibiting "six clues and vertical nystagmus," according to authorities. WSMV reports that the tests failed and Braden confessed to having "a couple of beers" before heading out onto the lake. Subsequently, he was taken into custody and charged with Boating Under the Influence.
Rescue operations at the scene resulted in at least four individuals being pulled from the water after the accident. While the arrest cast a shadow over the holiday festivities, it also served as a stark reminder, of the dangers of boating while intoxicated.
