A Clinton man was charged with two counts of homicide and one count of driving under the influence after a fatal two-vehicle crash on Clinton Highway on Friday, authorities said.
The two felony homicide counts filed against Timothy James Gribble, 36, are vehicular homicide by intoxication and vehicular homicide by recklessness, according to Anderson County court records.
His DUI, a misdemeanor, is an alleged second offense, according to court records.
The two-vehicle crash was reported at about 5:27 p.m. Friday at the Clinton Highway intersection with Shepherd Lane, according to a fatality report by the Tennessee Highway Patrol.
The head-on collision killed Robert J. West, 64, of Harriman, the THP report said.
The report said Gribble was driving south on Clinton Highway in a 2009 Kia Spectra when he failed to stay in his lane. Gribble crossed into a northbound lane, where West was driving a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier, the THP said. West died in the head-on collision, the report said.
Alcohol and drug tests have been requested, which is routine in fatal crashes. The THP report said Gribble is suspected of using drugs but not drinking, and West is not suspected of using drugs or drinking.
Both men were wearing seat belts, the THP said.
The crash was investigated by THP Sergeant Jeffrey Poore.
Besides DUI and the two homicide charges, Gribble has also been charged with failure to maintain lane.
Warrants filed in Anderson County General Sessions Court said Gribble told Poore that he dropped his pack of cigarettes and crossed the center line, which resulted in the head-on crash early Friday evening.
Poore said Gribble’s pupils were “pin point,” which the trooper said can be a sign of impairment.
“I asked Mr. Gribble if he was prescribed any medication,” Poore said. “He paused and said ‘no.’ Mr. Gribble stated that he used to take Neurontin for seizures, but no longer takes that medication.”
Poore administered several sobriety tests on Gribble, and Gribble showed signs of impairment, according to the warrants.
Gribble has one prior DUI conviction, from September 2016 in Anderson County Circuit Court, Poore said.
Gribble’s bond was set at $500,000 during a hearing in Anderson County General Sessions Court in Clinton on Monday, according to court records. An order signed by Judge Don A. Layton said Gribble must use an alcohol monitoring device, although the order doesn’t provide details.
Gribble’s next court date is scheduled for 1 p.m. February 20.
More information will be added as it becomes available.
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