KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Knoxville police arrested a Knox County Sheriff's Office deputy for driving under the influence after a crash early Saturday morning, according to an arrest report from the Knoxville Police Department.
KPD said officers responded to a rollover crash on Alcoa Highway near I-40 East around 3:48 a.m. Officers found 31-year-old Sean McElyea standing near his overturned truck.
KPD said the crash had severely damaged the guardrail. Officers said McElyea smelled of alcohol, slurred his speech and had bloodshot eyes.
According to the report, McElyea admitted to officers he had just left Hannah's Bar where he had a couple of drinks. Police said a receipt found in McElyea's pocket showed he ordered two Smirnoff 80s, one Corona and two Ultras.
KPD said McElyea refused to consent to a blood or breath test. Officers obtained a warrant for a blood test and McElyea was taken to UT Medical Center for testing.
A spokesperson with the Knox County Sheriff's Office said deputy Sean McElyea has been placed on administrative leave with pay starting July 16. An internal investigation is being conducted into his arrest.
“I always try to instill in our officers that we must hold ourselves accountable and to a higher standard. When I learned of Officer McElyea being arrested for DUI after a single vehicle accident, I was highly disappointed," Knox County Sheriff Tom Spangler said Saturday night. "We have a process for misconduct through the Merit System council, which includes due process. I want to be clear that we expect our employees to obey the laws just as any citizen is expected to and our policies and procedures. Any conduct unbecoming will be dealt with according to our policies, procedures, and the laws of the state of Tennessee.”
KCSO said McElyea is currently assigned to the juvenile transportation division.
According to the arrest report, McElyea is scheduled to appear in court on July 29 at 8:30 a.m. for a preliminary hearing on the DUI charge.