Memphis police officer 'relieved of duty' amid investigation into DUI arrest

Officer Verlean Washington allegedly slurred her speech and smelled like alcohol when she was arrested

Memphis colonel speaks out against 'anti-police' agenda at city council

Memphis Police Department's Ret. Col. Darrell Sheffield speaks out against ordinances passed by city council that he said limited officers' ability to prevent crime.

A Memphis Police Department officer is temporarily off-duty pending the investigation of her DUI arrest, authorities said.

Verlean Washington, 28, was charged with driving under the influence, disregarding a red light and failure to exercise due care, according to FOX 13 Memphis. She was also charged with violation of financial law and reckless driving.

"Officer Washington is relieved of duty pending the outcome of this investigation," a Memphis Police Department spokesperson said to Fox News Digital.

Police told FOX 13 that Washington, who has been on the force since January 2022, was speeding in a Jeep Wrangler near Germantown Parkway and Cordova Road on Saturday morning at around 1 a.m.

TYRE NICHOLS VIDEO: MEMPHIS AUTHORITIES RELEASE FOOTAGE FROM DEADLY TRAFFIC STOP

memphis police officer relieved of duty amid investigation into dui arrest

Verlean Washington, 28, was charged with driving under the influence of intoxication/drugs, disregarding a red light, among other charges. (Shelby County Sheriff's Office)

Before police were able to conduct a traffic stop, she crashed into an Audi after running through a red arrow turn light. No critical injuries were reported.

When Washington was apprehended, officers noticed that she slurred her words and smelled like alcohol. She told police that she was an officer at the Raines Road police station, FOX 13 reported.

TYRE NICHOLS' MOTHER URGES PEACEFUL PROTEST: 'I DON'T WANT US BURNING UP OUR CITIES'

memphis police officer relieved of duty amid investigation into dui arrest

Washington reportedly told police that she was an officer at the Raines Road police station. (Google Maps)

Officers also found an empty beer can and open vodka beverage in Washington's front passenger seat. She was not on duty at the time.

The Memphis Police Department is actively investigating the incident. 

Fox News Digital reached out to the Memphis Police Department for more information, but has not heard back.

Authored by Andrea Vacchiano via FoxNews July 31st 2023