Deputy accused of drinking and driving

MIAMI CO., Ohio (WDTN) - A Miami County Sheriff's Deputy is on paid administrative leave after police said he was arrested for OVI.

Deputy Doug Byers, 43, was arrested on US. 36 in Piqua September 9, 2012. 

Piqua Police Chief Bruce Jamison said a good Samaritan called 911 and told the operator someone was driving drunk on the roadway.

"The driver hit a median on 25A," said the caller to a 911 operator.  "The driver is all over the road."

According to investigators, Deputy Byers was traveling 70 mph in a 35 mph zone when he passed officers on US 36. 

Piqua police released the cruiser cam video that captured the incident.

"Officers asked Deputy Byers to step out of the vehicle and he complied," said Chief Jamison.  "The arresting officer then asked Byers how much he had to drink and Byers said he drank five beers.  Byers then identified himself as a deputy."

Jamison said Deputy Byers refused any sobriety testing.  According to a police report, Deputy Byers had mumbled speech, glassy and red eyes and had a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from him. 

Deputy Byers was taken into custody.

Byers has been placed on paid administrative leave until the investigation is complete. 

"We are saddened by the arrest, but commend the good Samaritan for being alert and calling 911" said Chief Deputy Dave Duchak with the Miami County Sheriff's office.

Deputy Byers is scheduled to appear in court September 26.