State Senator charged with DUI

UPDATED 1:34 p.m. with comments from Sen. Haynes
Alcohol and speeding are reasons for Cooper's wreck, according to state

Email | Print By Ken Whitehouse

Jerry Cooper

UPDATE, 1:34 p.m.:

State Senator Joe Haynes (D-Goodlettsville), who chairs the Senate Democratic Caucus, issued a statement about the Cooper case this afternoon:

"While I cannot comment in detail about an ongoing investigation — and the Department of Safety has clearly stated that this investigation is ongoing — I have the utmost faith in our justice system, and I believe that justice will be served in this matter.

"Details will be released at the appropriate times and in the appropriate manner. Like the rest of the public, I’m waiting to see what those details tell us."

As originally posted: 

The Department of Safety has obtained a warrant in Rutherford County, charging State Senator Jerry Cooper (D-Morrison) with driving under the influence and speeding.

The charges are the result of an investigation into an automobile crash involving Cooper that occurred on I-24 on February 7th, 2007. The authorities have not released details of the legislator's blood alcohol test.

Cooper's attorney has been advised by District Attorney Bill Whitesell of the charges, and Cooper will surrender and will be served with the warrant when he is physically able, according to a statement released by the Tennessee Department of Safety.