By Erica Williams
DYERSBURG, Tenn. -- Dyersburg
Police are short one officer after he was charged with driving under the
influence.
Troopers said Lt. Jimmy DeSpain
was arrested early Sunday morning in Lauderdale County. Arrest records show
DeSpain failed field sobriety tests and blew a .092 in his breathalyzer, well
over the legal limit.
"I think the same charges
should be brought against him as they would me or you," Don Carden, a
Dyersburg resident said.
DeSpain's personnel record show
this is the first time he's been in trouble with the law since joining the
department in 1993. He's had no disciplinary write-ups and has even received
dozens of awards.
Some residents say they still
hold officers to higher standards.
"I think he should be
dismissed from his duties because he should be teaching our younger generation
not to do those things," Carden said.
Dyersburg City Mayor John
Holden said in a press release issued on Tuesday, that he considers DeSpain a
respected member of the police department.
DeSpain is on administrative
leave without pay, pending the outcome of the investigation.