DUI: Bryan Berninger crashes twice on Charlotte Pike, says he didn’t “drink to get drink”

25-year-old Bryan Berninger was involved in a car accident with injuries near Charlotte Pike and 22nd Avenue North late April 27th. When officers arrived at the scene of the crash, they were approached by Veronica Renee Edwards, who advised them that an individual, later identified as Berninger, had crashed into her vehicle also at another location further down the road. Officers located Berninger in the driver’s seat and had him exit his car. He showed signs of impairment and got into the back of an ambulance, where he stated he had drank earlier at a “sampler” and that he was not there to “Drink to get drink,” later clarifying that he had meant “drunk.” Officers reported that “When asked about the other crash further down the road, Berninger stated he could not recall another crash. He stated what had caused the initial crash was that the “vehicles in front” of him “stopped,” but he “did not stop.” Officers located a handgun on the passenger side floorboard, which he claimed was his. Berninger was then transported to Meharry General Hospital, where officers followed and prompted him with a sobriety test, in which he showed multiple signs of intoxication and smelled strongly of alcohol. He agreed to provide a blood sample and, under Miranda, requested a lawyer. Berninger was released from the hospital and then was taken into custody for failure to give information, leaving the scene of an accident, driving under the influence, and possession of a weapon while under the influence.