Vic Lineweaver apologizes after DUI arrest

Former Davidson County Juvenile Court Clerk Vic Lineweaver was arrested early Sunday morning on a charge of driving under the influence.

A police officer saw Robert "Vic" Lineweaver's vehicle drift across the double yellow line on Old Hickory Boulevard in Bellevue, according to an arrest warrant. Lineweaver told the officer he had been drinking alcohol and that he had taken prescription medication for his shoulder, the warrant said.

Online records show Lineweaver was booked into jail at 3:13 a.m. He was released on bond hours later.

"I made a mistake and I'm sorry for it," Lineweaver said Sunday afternoon in an interview with The Tennessean. "I apologize to my family and friends."

He said he had ventured out to give a friend a ride home. Next time, he said, he'll call his friend a cab.

Lineweaver, 60, has been a fixture in local politics since the 1980s. Earlier this year, he announced he was once again running for Metro Council's District 35 seat representing the Bellevue area.

He previously served on the Metro Council from 1983 through 1989 and again from 1995 through 2002, before being elected Juvenile Court clerk. He served in Juvenile Court until 2010, when he lost his re-election bid to current clerk David Smith.

Lineweaver's tenure as clerk was marred by a 2007 arrest for failing to produce juvenile records deemed essential by the court. In addition, a series of critical reports was aired by WSMV-Channel 4. The most memorable report showed Lineweaver checking his mailbox during work hours while standing in a bathrobe after he had just told a reporter he was in a meeting.

During the interview Sunday, Lineweaver said he did not think the DUI charge would inhibit his ability to lead if elected to Metro Council. He said the key to being an effective council member is communicating well with constituents.

"I firmly believe I can communicate with them as I have in the past," he said.

Lineweaver is scheduled to appear in court May 6.

Reach Adam Tamburin at 615-726-5986 and on Twitter @tamburintweets.