Man arrested after 10-year-old crashes van

BLOUNTVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Authorities in Sullivan County, Tenn., said a man was arrested after allegedly instructing a 10-year-old to drive his van because he was intoxicated.

The Sullivan County Sheriffs Office said Randy Lewis was charged with drunk driving, reckless endangerment and child abuse after the 10-year-old boy, who was one of three children in the vehicle, crashed the Ford Windstar van at speeds exceeding 90 mph, The Smoking Gun reported Tuesday.

A sheriff's office affidavit said Lewis admitted after the crash to drinking "at least 15 beers, along with some liquor." The affidavit said cocaine was found in Lewis' system and his blood alcohol content was found to be .26, more than three times the legal state limit for driving.

Paula Evans, a female friend of Lewis' who was also in the vehicle, was charged with reckless endangerment and child abuse.

All five occupants of the van were treated for their injuries at a local hospital.