The chief deputy with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office has stepped down from his position after getting arrested Friday for suspicion of DWI.
According to the incident report, just before midnight on October 11th, a Morrilton Police Department deputy witnessed a truck driving in a suspicious manner.
When the officer pulled the vehicle over, he identified the driver of the truck as Perry County Chief Deputy Edwin Johnson. The officer was also able to observe an open beer can in the cup holder near the driver and a second unopened beer can in the other cup holder.
When asked how much he had to drink, the former Chief Deputy explained he had purchased a bucket and that the open can was empty and being used to spit in. The officer noted Johnson’s eyes were bloodshot and watery, consistent with being intoxicated.
The officer asked Johnson again how much he had to drink, and Johnson stated that he “had about three, maybe four” beers, though insisted he was not drunk.
At this point, the officer ordered Johnson to exit the vehicle for a field sobriety test. Johnson performed the tests and was asked if he wanted to blow into a breathalyzer, which he stated he did not.
The officer then advised Johnson that due to the circumstances he had observed, Johnson was going to be arrested for a DWI.
Sheriff Ricky Don Jones with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office was a passenger in Johnson’s vehicle and arranged for someone to pick up the truck as Johnson was placed into the patrol vehicle and transferred to the Morrilton Police Department.
Johnson is being charged with DWI, refusal to submit to a chemical test, and driving left of center. Johnson was later released on bond.
In a recent statement by Sheriff Ricky Don Jones, Chief Deputy Johnson has since resigned from his position with the Perry County Sheriff’s Office.
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