Father’s Day Incident
On Father’s Day 2025, Allison Zumes was involved in a minor collision. It should have ended with an exchange of information, but instead, she is still feeling the consequences after police arrested her for driving under the influence. Zumes, who worked for the FBI for 33 years, had no drugs or alcohol in her system. She is now suing the city and the officer who arrested her, claiming the entire case was based on questionable or even outright false grounds.
Testimony of the Former Agent
According to the former agent, when Officer Christian Ferraras arrived at the accident scene, the tone of the conversation quickly changed. Zumes says Ferraras immediately focused on a suspicion of intoxication, claiming he smelled alcohol. She denied consumption. A later blood test completely confirmed her account. Despite this, she was arrested and put through the standard DUI procedure.
Zumes described being detained, fingerprinted, and held in jail, which she said was a particularly shocking experience after decades with the FBI. Even after her release, the consequences continued to mount. She had to install an ignition interlock device, typically mandated for those convicted of DUI, even though she was not found guilty.
Device Issues and the Lawsuit
This device, she says, created its own safety risks. At one point, her car allegedly stalled in traffic due to compatibility issues with modern start-stop systems, leaving her stranded at an intersection. Zumes’ lawsuit claims the officer’s affidavit does not match what is shown on body camera footage. She alleges inaccuracies and false statements were used to justify the arrest, raising serious questions about how probable cause is established in DUI cases.
Scope of the Problem in Tennessee
This is a complex situation in itself, but unfortunately, it is far from uncommon in Tennessee. The state is becoming notoriously known for arresting sober drivers for DUI. In August 2025, the state reported 600 such arrests. Then, earlier this year, it was revealed that there had actually been over 2,500 such arrests over the last eight years.
Demands for Reform
Zumes is not just seeking compensation. She is calling for broader reforms. She wants better training, improved field sobriety tests, and accountability throughout Tennessee’s law enforcement system. This is hardly surprising, given the circumstances.
Screenshot via WVLT/YouTube
This case highlights a systemic issue that extends far beyond a single incident. The rise in “sober DUI” arrests points to possible deficiencies in the procedures for assessing drivers’ conditions at the scene. The former FBI agent’s demands for reform could become a catalyst for reviewing police practices in the state, especially given that body camera footage often becomes key evidence in such disputes. If the court finds that the grounds for the arrest were fabricated, it could lead to significant changes in how Tennessee police conduct investigations into suspected impaired driving.