The assistant police chief in Clarkston has resigned after being arrested on a charge of driving under the influence in Henry County, officials said Friday.
Thadius Brown had worked in the police department in the small DeKalb County city for more than 10 years before the arrest last weekend.
Clarkston Police Chief Christine Hudson told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that Brown formally resigned Wednesday, a day before an internal affairs investigation was set to begin.
He was charged with “DUI less safe,” possession of an alcoholic beverage in the passenger area and failure to be obedient to a traffic signal, Hudson said. He was pulled over after allegedly turning right on red at a corner where it was prohibited, she said.
A DUI less safe charge criminalizes driving under the influence of alcohol if it is "less safe" for the person to do so. A driver can be convicted of the charge even if their blood alcohol concentration is less than 0.08 grams.
Credit: City of Clarkston / via Facebook
Credit: City of Clarkston / via Facebook
Hudson said she got a call from Henry County police early Saturday morning informing her about the arrest. Brown also called her when he was released from jail, and she immediately placed him on administrative leave with pay.
She contacted the county’s internal affairs unit to begin an investigation. Brown came into City Hall on Wednesday and turned in his resignation to Hudson and City Manager Robin Gomez.
Henry County officials have not released more information about the incident.
In his role as assistant chief, Brown often spoke with the news media for stories about recent cases or department policies. In June 2018, he was recognized by the city staff and City Council for his decade of service in the city, according to a Facebook post.
Brown could not be reached for comment Friday.
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