Authorities Cracking Down on BUIs

(Courtesy: Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office)

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The headmaster at the Baylor School was arrested over the weekend.

Authorities say that Christopher Angel was arrested on Friday and charged with boating under the influence.

Angel sent out a statement apologizing for his actions but saying that he was not operating the boat unsafely.

Boating Under the Influence carries a minimum sentence of 48 hours in jail on the first conviction and can be subject to sentencing enhancements if an offender has previously committed a DUI.

One local attorney, Matt Brock, says that recent changes to the law have made punishments tougher.

Brock said, “If you’re convicted of a BUI you cannot put it under a diversion plea, of which the TBI used to accept. Now, it is not able to be diverted, so therefor it would stay on your record if convicted.”

A representative from the TWRA told News 12 that 43 people this year have been arrested on BUI charges.

They urge everyone to have a designated captain who will refrain from drinking while operating the boat.

They encourage that if you suspect someone is drinking and boating, contact their hotline or local law enforcement.