Businessman Bill Whitaker charged with DUI in West Nashville after drinking at “nearby casino”

56-year-old Bill Whitaker was observed obstructing traffic near the Elliston 23 parking garage in the early hours of June 22nd. After noticing this, the location’s security guard, Cameron Stewart, alerted the authorities and advised them that he was slumped over the driver’s seat with his engine on. He stated he opened Whitaker’s driver’s side door, parked the vehicle, took the keys out of the ignition, and called 911. When officers arrived, they tried to speak with Whitaker, but he was “extremely unresponsive” until they rubbed his sternum to wake him up.

Whitaker then refused medical attention and denied taking any medication. During their interaction, officers smelled a strong alcoholic odor coming from Whitaker, so they asked him to exit the vehicle. While getting out, he had to brace himself against the car, and then he denied driving, stating that someone had driven him there, but he could not “clearly articulate” where he was. Then, Whitaker admitted to having eight drinks while at a “nearby casino,” including one cocktail and four tequila shots, and refused to take sobriety tests. Officers later discovered the vehicle was registered to his business and detained him for the occurrence. After being read implied consent, Whitaker refused to provide a chemical sample and was taken into custody for driving under the influence and an implied consent violation. We previously covered Whitaker after he assaulted a private investigator who was following him, telling police he believed she was a “game member” after him.