A failed field sobriety test led to Chattanooga police Officer Mike Early’s arrest for DUI early Saturday, according to Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman Mike Browning.
A THP trooper shortly after 1 a.m. saw a Jeep illegally parked on the shoulder of northbound Interstate 75 near the Bonny Oaks exit and noticed Officer Early was having trouble getting into his vehicle, Mr. Browning said.
The trooper’s report states he noticed Officer Early had slurred speech and administered a sobriety test, and Officer Early failed one test before refusing to take two other standard field tests, Mr. Browning said.
The 38-year-old officer was released on his own recognizance from the Hamilton County Jail after being charged with DUI, possession of a handgun while under the influence and violation of the implied consent law, officials said.
Officer Early is on administrative leave pending an investigation of his arrest by the THP and the Chattanooga Police Department Internal Affairs Division, police spokeswoman Lt. Kim Noorbergen said.
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