Image Credit: Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department
The Tennessee Conservative [By David Seal]-
Concerned citizens traveling on Interstate 40, and a quick response from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department led to an alleged intoxicated driver being arrested.
Sheriff Jeff Coffey (R-New Market) released a statement stating in part “On October 2, 2025, a Be On The Lookout (BOLO) was called in by a civilian. Deputies were then dispatched to Mile Marker 419 on I-40 Eastbound for a white Chevrolet truck as a possible drunk driver. Deputies located the vehicle on Roy Messer Highway [White Pine] and initiated a traffic stop on the truck for a light law violation at the Jefferson County line. Upon contact with the driver, Matthew Carter, Deputy Loyd smelled an odor of alcohol coming from his person. He failed a Standardized Field Sobriety Test (SFST)and was arrested for DUI.”
Coffey credits the quick thinking and response of a citizen for leading them to the suspect.
“The age of cellphones has really benefited our ability to be able to take impaired drivers off the roadway. And in this case the caller followed the vehicle and gave updates on their direction of travel which assisted deputies in locating the vehicle. Two deputies responded to the call and with the interstate crossing our county assisted us in getting to areas more quickly which results in improving our chances of locating these violators and removing them from our roadway.” – said Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Coffey
The location, Roy Messer Highway, where the arrest was made was in proximity to two schools, Lakeway Christian Academy and White Pine School.
Responding to a request for information by the Tennessee Conservative News, Jefferson County Schools released the following statement concerning the arrest of Carter.
“Jefferson County Schools has confirmed that Matthew Carter, a physical education teacher at Mount Horeb Elementary School and Head Middle School and High School softball coach has been placed on suspension following his arrest and charge for driving under the influence on Sunday.
Director of Schools Dr. Tommy Arnold stated, “We take all matters involving employee conduct very seriously. Jefferson County Schools holds its staff to high standards of professionalism both inside and outside the classroom. Appropriate action has been taken in accordance with district policy while we review the situation further.”
Dr. Arnold emphasized that the district’s primary focus remains on students. “Our top priority is providing a safe, supportive environment where every child can learn and grow. Arrangements have been made to ensure coverage of all of Coach Carter’s duties until the investigation is complete.
Principal Randy Rogers will meet with the softball team on Tuesday November 4 at 3:30. We remain committed to maintaining the high quality of education and care that families in Jefferson County expect from our schools.”
As this is a personnel matter, the district will not provide additional comments at this time.” – said Dr. Tommy Arnold, Director of Jefferson County Schools
The Tennessee Conservative News will continue to follow this story and report updates as they become available.
About the Author: David Seal is a retired Jefferson County educator, recognized artist, local businessman, 917 Society Volunteer, and past Chairman of the Jefferson County Republican Party. He has also served Jefferson County as a County Commissioner and is a citizen lobbyist for the people on issues such as eminent domain, property rights, education, and broadband accessibility on the state level. David is also a 2024 winner of The Tennessee Conservative Flame Award & has received an accolade from the Institute For Justice for successfully lobbing the TN legislature to protect property rights. David can be reached at david@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
