Mason’s mayor Emmit Gooden was arrested by Memphis police and charged with driving under the influence early Saturday morning.
The 50-year-old, who has been mayor since 2018, was also charged by with violating the state’s open container and registration laws. He was reportedly arrested at approximately 3:35 a.m. on Overton Crossing Street, admitted to having six beers and had four 16 oz. open beers in the back seat of his vehicle.
Police said they smelled beer during the traffic stop and Gooden had a beer on his lap. He told officers he was the mayor of Mason.
His next court date is listed as Monday at 9 a.m.
In Tennessee, a DUI is a felony if the driver injured or killed a minor passenger; caused death, property damage or serious injury or in an accident; or if the driver has three or more prior DUI convictions. If he were convicted of a felony offense he would no longer be able to serve as an elected official.
Before Gooden became mayor he served on Mason’s board of mayor and aldermen for many years.
Author: Echo Day
Echo Day is an award-winning journalist, photographer and designer. She is currently The Leader's managing editor.
