Metro
Sergeant Suspended For Failure To Arrest Drunk Officer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - A
Metropolitan Nashville Police sergeant has been suspended without pay after his
part in a decision to drive another officer home when he turned up drunk at
work, instead of making an immediate arrest.
Officials said South Precinct
Sergeant Terrence Bradley was given a 15-day suspension without pay.
The officer who admitted to
drinking and two of his supervisors were decommissioned because of the
incident.
Police said 33-year-old Officer
Nathan Silvers reported to work in his personal vehicle at 10:45 p.m. Friday
night for his midnight shift. He was supposed to arrive at work by 10:30 p.m.
but reportedly called and said he would be late.
When he arrived, Sergeant
Bradley noticed the smelled of alcohol, and that Silvers' eyes were bloodshot
and watery. Bradley disarmed Silvers and relieved him from duty.
Two breath alcohol tests were
administered. Officials said the first test came back with a 0.31 percent blood
alcohol result. The second test showed 0.25 percent. Both results were much
higher than the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Silvers apparently admitted to
drinking six longneck bottles of beer between 4 and 7 p.m. before reporting for
duty.
Officials said Bradley
consulted with Field Supervising Captain Kenny Dyer regarding the incident.
They decommissioned Silvers and drove him to his Hendersonville home with the
understanding that he was to report to police headquarters Monday morning.
Chief Steve Anderson and the
deputy chiefs were not made aware of that decision. Once Chief Anderson learned
of the incident early Saturday, he ordered a criminal investigation into the
incident to be conducted by the DUI Unit.
Both Dyer and Bradley were
immediately decommissioned.
Silvers was then charged with
driving under the influence, unlawful gun possession while under the influence
of alcohol, and violation of the implied consent law for refusing to submit to
a blood alcohol test.
He submitted his resignation
Monday, which will be effective following a 30-day suspension.
Captain Dyer submitted his
notice of retirement Monday, which will also be effective following a 30-day
suspension.
The disciplinary action against
Bradley was issued Tuesday afternoon.
Silvers had just graduated from
the police academy in April. Dyer, a 26-year Metro Police veteran, had been
promoted to captain on March 1.
Officials said Bradley has been
with the police department for 14 years.
