Sheriff: Man driving 107 mph was drunk, had no license

KERSHAW COUNTY, SC (WIS) - A man who was weaving in and out of traffic and driving over 100 mph Friday on Interstate 20 was found with an open can of beer and half-empty gallon Vodka bottle in his vehicle, according to Kershaw County Sheriff Matthews.

Matthew Christopher Temples, 25, of Newberry, was arrested after he was stopped for running 107 mph near mile marker 105 in Kershaw County. Matthews says Temples was drunk at the time of his arrest and was charged with DUI (3rd offense), DUS (2nd offense) and having open containers of alcohol in his vehicle.

Matthews said one of his traffic officers was working I-20 when he observed Temples driving a blue Hyundai traveling west at a high rate of speed.

Temples was reportedly weaving in and out of traffic and using the emergency lane to pass vehicles, the sheriff said. During the traffic stop, the deputy discovered an open can of beer and a half-empty gallon vodka bottle.

After Temples failed a roadside sobriety test, he was placed under arrest.

Matthews said Temples' blood alcohol level was later determined to be .18.

"It seems reasonable to assume that Temples was a serious accident waiting to happen," said Matthews. "Fortunately a deputy was able to take Temples off the road before he crashed and killed himself or some innocent people."

A DMV records check revealed that Temples had two prior DUI convictions and was currently driving under suspension because of a previous DUI charge, according to the sheriff.

"Our DUI laws must be strengthened to keep these repeat offenders off the roads," continued Matthews. "Maybe one day our legislators will get serious about the DUI problem in South Carolina and enact some tough DUI laws. Until then, South Carolina will continue to be one of the worst states in the nation for DUI fatalities."

He was transported to the Kershaw County Detention Center and has been released on bond.

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