James Williamson, a 57-year-old volleyball coach from Cypress, Texas, was arrested in Dallas early Monday morning for driving while intoxicated after leading first responders on a slow-speed, spark-spewing chase through the city.
According to a police affidavit, firefighters with Dallas Fire-Rescue first spotted Williamson’s white Jeep Grand Wagoneer traveling northbound on North Stemmons Freeway, on only three wheels.
The front left tire was completely missing, and the rim scraped violently against the pavement, showering sparks behind the SUV and creating a visible fire hazard.
NEW: We got the mug shot for 47 yr old James Williamson – the volleyball coach arrested yesterday for DWI after leading first responders on a slow-speed purist in his damaged SUV through Dallas. I’ll have the latest details from arrest affidavit on @FOX4 at 4:30/5:30/6:30pm pic.twitter.com/tGq62D01je
— Alex Boyér (@AlexBoyerFox4) July 1, 2025
Despite the vehicle’s mangled condition, Williamson continued to drive, even after the airbags deployed.
Firefighters, fearing for public safety, followed the vehicle and called Dallas police.
His mugshot has been released.
James Williamson’s DUI Arrest Was Made In The Middle Of A National Tournament
The incident occurred while Williamson was in Dallas coaching a girls’ volleyball team competing in the 2025 USA Volleyball Girls Junior National Championship, held at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center.
His SUV, police noted, was packed with volleyballs and team gear.
When police caught up with him and performed a traffic stop near Oak Lawn Avenue, Williamson showed clear signs of intoxication.
He slurred his speech, struggled to stand straight, and nearly fell over during a field sobriety test, despite reportedly being a military veteran.
Asked to explain the SUV’s condition, Williamson responded bluntly:
“I hit a curb and I screwed up.”
He also admitted to drinking four to five beers at a bar earlier in the night.
Williamson was taken into custody and transported to the Lew Sterrett Justice Center in downtown Dallas.
A breath test conducted at the jail revealed that his blood alcohol content was over twice the legal limit.
He now faces a DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) charge.
James Williamson Has Remained Silent About His Arrest
So far, neither the national volleyball tournament organizers nor Williamson’s Houston-area volleyball club has commented on the incident.
The arrest has sparked concern, especially given that Williamson was in town representing young athletes at a high-profile event.
While Williamson has not made any public statements since his arrest, questions remain about his role with his volleyball team moving forward.
The DWI charge, coupled with the bizarre and dangerous nature of the incident, may prompt further disciplinary action or disqualification from future tournament involvement.
