KSP: Williamson Police Officer Crashes Cruiser while Under the Influence

PIKE COUNTY, KY. --- A Williamson, WV polise officer has been suspended without pay after troopers say he was under the influence when he crashed his cruiser.

Kentucky State Police arrested Jefferson Taylor III, 27, of McCarr, Ky., just before 4 a.m. Tuesday in Hardy, Ky. That's in Pike County.

Taylor is charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and leaving the scene of an accident.

Williamson Police Chief Dave Rockel says that Tayor III was on the department for nearly two years. Chief Rockel called Taylor a good police officer and says this is all hard for him to believe.

Kentucky State Police say Taylor wrecked his cruiser, and then left the scene of the accident.

Witnesses told KSP that Taylor appeared to be under the influence.

Troopers found Taylor at his parents' house.

According to the report by troopers, Taylor failed a one-leg stand test, failed the walk and turn test, and missed his heel-to-toe test several times. Troopers say Taylor lost his balance several times during the tests.

Troopers say Taylor told them he had taken sleeping medication and drank a Four Loco. Later he told troopers that he went home and went to sleep, never took any medication or drank any more alcohol, although troopers say he smelled of alcohol.

According to the complaint, Taylor submitted to a blood test.

Taylor has been suspended without pay.

Rockel tells says his office will investigate after Kentucky State Police wrap up their investigation.

A pre-trial hearing  for Taylor has been set for August.