“Fruity Drinks” And Wrong Turns: Nashville Man Faces DUI, Drug Charges In Calvert

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — A Tennessee man is facing drug possession and impaired driving-related charges after Calvert County deputies allegedly found prescription medication that was not prescribed to him during a traffic stop and arrest in the early morning hours of June 20.

Tristan L. Morris, 30, of Nashville, Tennessee, was charged in Calvert County District Court with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis.

According to charging documents, a deputy encountered Morris after observing traffic violations that led to an investigation for suspected impaired driving. Court records show Morris was also cited for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, failure to drive right of center and driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Investigators reported that during the encounter, Morris displayed several indicators commonly associated with alcohol impairment, including watery, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and the odor of an alcoholic beverage. According to the probable cause statement, Morris initially told deputies he had consumed only water before later stating he had consumed “fruity drinks.”

Deputies asked Morris to participate in standardized field sobriety tests, but according to court documents, he declined. Based on their observations, deputies determined Morris was unable to safely operate a motor vehicle and placed him under arrest for driving under the influence.

A search of Morris’ vehicle following the arrest allegedly led to the discovery of a prescription pill bottle inside a hygiene bag on the passenger side of the vehicle. Investigators said the bottle was labeled for another person. Deputies reported the medication appeared to be clonazepam, a Schedule IV controlled dangerous substance.

According to charging documents, the prescription was not issued to Morris. As a result, investigators charged him with possession of a controlled dangerous substance other than cannabis. The pills were seized and submitted to the Maryland State Police Crime Laboratory for testing.

Court records indicate Morris was advised of Maryland’s implied consent law and refused to submit to a breath test following his arrest.

Court records show Morris was released on his own recognizance following his arrest.

A trial officer scheduling hearing is scheduled for Aug. 5 in Calvert County District Court.

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