Spotsylvania Deputy Arrested On DUI Charge: Sheriff's Office

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A Spotsylvania deputy was arrested on Thursday for driving under the influence after he crashed his car, the Spotsylvania County sheriff's office said.

Authorities did not report any injuries in the single-vehicle crash.

The sheriff's office identified the deputy as William Campbell. He began working with the sheriff's office in January. Campbell is no longer a sheriff's office employee, effective on Friday, authorities said.

Campbell is charged with driving under the influence and refusal of breath or blood sample.

Around 8 p.m., a resident called authorities to report a crash on Leavells Road near Battlefield Elementary School. When deputies arrived on the scene, they found Campbell, according to the police report.

Campbell was unsteady on his feet and smelled of alcohol, the responding deputies said. Deputies took him into custody. The sheriff's office noted that Campbell was off-duty and driving his personal vehicle when he crashed.

"Those of us that are employed as law enforcement officers are held to the highest standards and those that cannot conform to those standards have no place in this line of work," Sheriff Roger Harris said on Facebook. "Drinking and driving is a serious offense as it endangers innocent people on the roadway. Furthermore, I would like to commend the deputies who investigated this incident without bias."

Virginia's drunken driving laws are among the harshest in the nation, the DMV said. If a driver is convicted for a first DUI offense, the minimum punishment includes a $250 fine and a revocation of the driver's license for one year. A DUI conviction can also require the installation of an ignition interlock device.

Across the country, 28 people die in drunken driving crashes every day, according to the DMV.

Resources are available for people who are struggling with addiction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration operates a 24/7 hotline that can help people find resources and get the help they need