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Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy Arrested For Impaired Driving

Release Date: December 21, 2004

A Shelby County Sheriff's Deputy was arrested in Somerville, Tennessee this past weekend for driving while impaired. He was also charged with several other violations. Deputy Robert Lampley, assigned to the Metro Gang Unit, was arrested this past Sunday afternoon, December 19, 2004, shortly before 3 p.m.

A Somerville Police Officer reported seeing Lampley driving his personal vehicle in the east-bound lane of Highway 64. The Somerville Officer was in the west-bound lane and clocked Lampley traveling 64 in a 45 MPH zone. The Somerville Officer turned around and attempted to stop Lampley's pickup. However, Lampley's truck continued to speed and swerved between traffic lanes.

After a brief pursuit, Lampley pulled his vehicle to the side of Highway 64 just east of Country Club Road. When the Somerville Officer talked with Lampley about the incident, the Officer noted a strong odor of alcohol on Lampley's breath.

Lampley failed a field sobriety test and refused to take a breath alcohol test. Two bottles of liquor were found in the vehicle. Both bottles had been opened, one appearing to be half-full. A loaded rifle was also in the truck. Lampley was taken to the Fayette County Jail and booked on several charges:

• Speeding
• Impaired Driving
• Implied Consent (refusing D.U.I. breath test)
• Possession of a Firearm While Intoxicated
• Reckless Driving

Deputy Lampley has been relived of duty with pay pending the outcome of the investigation. He has served with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office since 1996.