Blount County Commissioner Earl McMahan Jr. is facing drunk driving and handgun charges after police say his vehicle tore through a Maryville backyard fence and traveled an estimated 40 to 50 feet before stopping in a ditch in the early hours of April 4. Officers later reported finding a loaded handgun in the car. McMahan represents District 1 on the Blount County Commission and, according to reporting, is not seeking reelection.
Police account of the crash
According to WVLT, an affidavit says Maryville police were called to the 300 block of South Fourth Street just after midnight on April 4. When officers arrived, they found McMahan after his vehicle had crashed through a fence and continued about 40 to 50 feet into a backyard before coming to rest in a ditch.
The affidavit states that officers helped McMahan into an ambulance and observed that he was "extremely unsteady on his feet." His balance was reportedly so compromised that police decided not to attempt standard field sobriety tests.
County role and records
Public records and county meeting documents list Earl McMahan Jr. as the District 1 representative on the Blount County Commission, where he serves on committees that include the beer board and the education committee, according to Blount County records. The county's online roster shows his seat assignment and contact information on official agendas and commission pages.
Charges and evidence reported
WVLT reported that officers found a loaded firearm inside McMahan's vehicle before it was towed. He was charged with driving under the influence and possession of a handgun while under the influence. The station reported that the affidavit it obtained formed the basis for those charges and noted that the document did not include information about booking status or a court date.
What comes next
The affidavit and related charges are expected to be entered into the local court record, and any upcoming hearings should appear in Blount County court filings. This story will be updated as additional court documents are filed or if the Maryville Police Department or county officials issue an official statement.
