Washington County Sheriff's Deputy put on paid leave after DUI arrest

A Washington County Sheriff's Deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave following his arrest on a DUI charge in Wood County.

Washington County Sheriff Larry Mincks confirms the suspension of Deputy Bradley T. Thorpe, 33, of Vienna, pending an internal investigation.

According to a criminal complaint in Wood County Magistrate Court, Thorpe was arrested Sunday and charged with a first-offense driving under the influence.

The complaint says a Wood County Sheriff's Deputy stopped Thorpe's Chevrolet pickup truck on Rosemar Road on Sunday after observing that some lights were not working on a trailer the truck was pulling. The deputy also reported seeing the vehicle driving erratically.

The complaint says Thorpe failed three different field-sobriety tests before being taken to the Wood County Holding Center for more tests.

The complaint says a test administered at the holding center showed his blood-alcohol level to be above 0.08, which is the level at which someone is considered intoxicated in West Virginia.

Thorpe was released on bond after appearing in magistrate court.