A sheriff in Kentucky is accused of driving 110 mph while blaring his sirens and flashing his lights under the influence of alcohol.
Terry Gray, a sheriff in Robertson County, was apprehended by Mason County Sheriffs on October 7 and faces charges of DUI, reckless driving, wanton endangerment, and official misconduct.
The incident marks the 48-year-old's third DUI charge in two years. His first DUI came in December of 2023 when he was caught driving drunk in his police cruiser near a school.
His second offense was in August of 2024 while he was driving a tractor intoxicated. The sheriff rode the tractor on a main road and was later accused of overturning the machine, according to a report by Lex 18.
Gray made an Alford plea during his second time being caught driving under the influence—a plea in which a person does not admit guilt but acknowledges that there may be enough evidence for a conviction.
Now on his third incident, Gray was pulled over after nearly crashing into a Mason County sheriff. Gray was wearing his uniform, which featured Sheriff insignia, along with a firearm and handcuffs on his side.
Gray refused to submit to a field sobriety test or a breathalyzer at the scene and was taken to the Mason County Detention Center, where deputies found a miniature bottle of liquor in his pocket.
The authorities also discovered a bottle of Fireball whiskey in Gray's vehicle, and he had a registered blood alcohol content of 0.226 when he finally submitted to a test at the detention center, according to The Ledger Independent.
A 0.226 blood alcohol level is nearly three times the legal limit in the state.
His actions have prompted authorities across Kentucky to call for his resignation, including Governor Andy Beshear according to Fox 19.
In Governor Beshear's letter addressed directly to Gray, he asked the sheriff, 'Tender your resignation as the Robertson County Sheriff to the County Judge/Executive within five business days of your receipt of this letter.'
'If you do not tender your resignation, the Governor will move forward with removal under KRS 63.100 for neglect of duty, habitual drunkenness in office, and gross immorality or misconduct in office amounting to neglect of duty.'
'We value the sanctity of law enforcement and the duty to uphold the law and serve and protect the communities that put their trust in their peace officers.'
Mason County Sheriff Ryan Swolsky arrested Gray and told the outlet: 'There was no reason for him to be running lights and sirens.'
The incident marks the 48-year-old's third DUI in two years. His first DUI came in December of 2023 when he was caught driving drunk in his police cruiser near a school.
The sheriff appeared on a video call from a rehab facility for his court hearing in 2023.
'Obviously could smell the odor of alcoholic beverage on his person. We proceeded to do a DUI investigation from there.'
'At the end of the day, he needs to resign because he's tarnished the badge. I think I speak on behalf of law enforcement across this state, and we police our own, and his behavior is unacceptable.'
The offender told sheriffs during his arrest that he was 'not that drunk' according to arrest documents obtained by the outlet.
The sheriff has avoided jail time but has previously been told by a judge that his fourth DUI would result in a felony.
Gray is scheduled for arraignment in Mason District Court on Monday morning.