UPDATE: Griffith issues statement on the arrest of a deputy for DUI

Pulaski County Commonwealth’s Attorney Justin Griffith released the following statement Monday morning:

On December 24, 2021, the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department contacted the Virginia State Police regarding concerns over an on-duty Deputy.

In addition, The Virginia State Police were provided the contact information for a Commonwealth’s Attorney outside of Pulaski County if they needed any legal advice.

According to reports, Deputy Lemmie Sanders was arrested by Virginia State Police Friday night and taken to the New River Valley Regional Jail.

Virginia State Police say the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office contacted them for assistance Friday night. The sheriff’s office had received a 911 call about a sheriff’s vehicle being driven erratically.

A state trooper found the vehicle in the 6100 block of Warren Newcomb Drive in the community of Fairlawn. The deputy, according to VSP, had hit a curb and sustained minor damage. Sanders, 35, was taken into custody and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol – first offense. Sanders was on duty at the time.

The Deputy was placed under arrest by the Virginia State Police for one count of Driving Under the Influence and he was transported to the New River Valley Regional Jail.

The Circuit Court of Pulaski County will appoint another Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to handle the case.