A UTM student was arrested and jailed Sunday morning on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and underage drinking after a breathalyzer test revealed his blood alcohol content (BAC) to be more than double the legal limit.

Christopher Wooley, 18, of Bartlett, was observed by UTM Officer Mike Wenz to be driving his silver Toyota Tundra on Mt. Pelia Road early on the morning of Jan. 23. Wenz observed the vehicle swerve over the center line and then almost hit the curb. Wenz observed the Tundra cross the yellow lines at least two more times.

Wenz pulled the vehicle over and began speaking to Wooley. Wenz could detect an alcoholic odor coming from Wooley’s breath. Wooley also had slurred speech and was unsteady on his feet.

Wooley was told to perform three field sobriety tests: finger to nose, one leg stance and a nine step walk and turn. According to the police report, Wooley was not able to touch his finger to his nose and had to be assisted by officers to keep from falling. Wooley also failed the other two sobriety tests and was arrested and taken to the Martin Police Department to have a breathalyzer test administered to him.

After being read the implied consent law, Wooley agreed to take the breathalyzer test. The test revealed Wooley to have a BAC of 0.178. Wooley’s BAC level was found to be more than double of the legal limit of 0.08. Wooley was then jailed at the Weakley County Detention Center on charges of DUI and underage drinking.

Wooley posted a bond amount of $1,000 and was released from jail on Sunday afternoon. He was arraigned in court on Monday.

Wooley plays the position of corner back for the UTM Skyhawks football team. Information was not released from the Sports Information Office as to how the athletics department would handle the case. The director of Sports Information, Joe Lofaro, said, “Chris Wooley has violated team rules and any repercussions from this violation will be handled internally.”

The minimum penalty for a first offense DUI in Tennessee is a fine of $350, spending 48 hours in jail and a mandatory loss of driver’s license for one year.

Wooley is scheduled to appear before the Weakley County General Sessions Court 8:30 a.m. Feb. 16.