A Daviess County Sheriff’s Office deputy sheriff was arrested Wednesday morning after allegedly driving a DCSO vehicle while under the influence while on duty and striking multiple parked vehicles.
Debra Crandall, 49, was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/substance. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. near the intersection of W. 3rd and St. Ann streets.
According to reports, OPD was dispatched to an accident where Crandall had allegedly struck several vehicles. Upon arrival, the OPD officer met with Crandall “who appeared to be under the influence” according to the citation.
The officer reported that Crandall “could barely open her eyes, had slurred speech, and was using vehicles and objects to maintain balance. I asked her what happened and she advised that she was not paying attention and struck the vehicles.”
The officer reported that Crandall said she takes prescription medication and took it Tuesday night.
According to OPD, Crandall was then given a Standardized Field Sobriety Testing. The officer reported Crandall struggled with the test and that a preliminary breath test revealed the presence of alcohol.
Crandall was arrested and taken to Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, where she submitted to a blood test, according to OPD. She was later taken to DCDC.
Crandall is a deputy sheriff with the rank of sergeant who is currently assigned as a bailiff in the judicial security branch of the Sheriff’s Office.
DCSO issued the following statement regarding the incident: “It’s unsettling and extremely disappointing to know that a decision of one of our employees has resulted in a vehicle accident and a(n) operating motor vehicle while under the influence arrest. An internal investigation has begun for the incident. She will be suspended indefinitely, pending the outcome of the internal investigation.”
