Kentucky Sheriff Arrested for Third DUI While Driving 110 MPH Tells Officer He’s ‘Not That Drunk,’ Governor Calls for Resignation
ROBERTSON COUNTY, KENTUCKY — A Kentucky sheriff is facing mounting calls to resign after he was arrested for his third DUI in less than two years — allegedly driving 110 mph with his emergency lights and sirens on before telling the arresting officer he was “not that drunk.”
Authorities confirmed that Robertson County Sheriff Terry Gray, 48, was arrested Tuesday night in Mason County after a high-speed pursuit led by another law enforcement officer.
According to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, Gray was seen swerving across lanes and nearly flipping his patrol car twice before finally stopping.
Sheriff Nearly Crashed During Pursuit
Court documents show that Mason County Sheriff Ryan Swolsky was on patrol when Gray sped past him at over 110 mph, nearly causing a collision.
When Swolsky initiated pursuit, Gray allegedly continued driving erratically, crossing the median several times before eventually pulling over.
“I could immediately smell alcohol emanating from the vehicle,” Sheriff Swolsky wrote in his arrest report, adding that Gray appeared impaired and told him he was “not that drunk.”
A miniature bottle of Fireball whisky was reportedly found on the passenger seat beside Gray, according to Lex 18.
Gray told deputies he had been chasing another vehicle during the incident, though investigators said no such pursuit was recorded or reported.
Charged With Multiple Offenses
Gray was booked into the Mason County Detention Center on multiple charges, including:
- Operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol
- First-degree wanton endangerment
- Reckless driving
- First-degree official misconduct
He remains held on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on October 13, according to local jail records.
Governor and Law Enforcement Demand Resignation
Following the arrest, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s Office issued a formal letter demanding that Gray resign within five business days or face immediate removal from office.
“We value the sanctity of law enforcement and the duty to uphold the law and serve and protect our communities,” wrote S. Travis Mayo, the governor’s general counsel. “Sheriff Gray’s conduct violates that trust.”
This marks Gray’s third DUI arrest since 2023. He avoided jail time in his previous cases but faced strong criticism for remaining in office despite repeated offenses.
Fellow Officers Speak Out
Sheriff Swolsky, who personally made the arrest, said Gray’s actions have “tarnished the badge.”
“At the end of the day, he needs to resign,” Swolsky told WKYT. “I think I speak for law enforcement across the state — his behavior is not acceptable. We police our own.”
Calls for Gray’s resignation have since come from law enforcement associations and local officials who say his conduct endangers public trust in police leadership.
This latest DUI arrest has sparked outrage across Kentucky, intensifying calls for stricter accountability among elected law enforcement officials. For ongoing updates on this case and related state news, visit ChicagoMusicGuide.com.