May 21, 2011

AUGUSTA, Ga -- Charles Harwell, a Lincoln County deputy, was arrested this morning in Augusta for driving under the influence in his Lincoln County patrol car.

Sheriff Ronnie Strength tells News 12 Harwell was charged with driving under the influence of drugs, believed to be prescription drugs, and then admitted to the hospital for a medical condition. We're told his blood test results to confirm the DUI are pending.

Sgt. Danny Whitehead, with the DUI task force, says a citizen spotted Harwell weaving in and out of lanes on Bobby Jones Expressway, eastbound near the Deans Bridge Road exit, around 3:15 this morning. The citizen then said he saw Harwell pull over to the shoulder of the roadway. When the citizen approached Deputy Harwell, Lt Whitehead says Harwell complained he was suffering from a medical condition. The citizen then called Richmond County 911.

The DUI task force then responded and found signs that Deputy Harwell was in fact driving under the influence of prescription drugs and charged him at the scene. Harwell was then taken to MCG. Lincoln County Sheriff Gerald Lawson says Harwell was driving home from an assignment and at the time not on duty.

Sheriff Strength says the DUI task force also contacted the Lincoln County Sheriff so they could retrieve Deputy Harwell's patrol car and other property, which his office has since done.

Lincoln County Sheriff Lawson tells News 12 Harwell is suspended with pay until the internal investigation is complete.

Sheriff Strength confirms Deputy Harwell used to work for the Richmond County Sheriff's Office. Sources say he was fired for abusing prescription medication, but Sheriff Strength could not confirm that at this time. After losing his job in Richmond County for allegedly failing a drug screening, Harwell was then hired by MCG Police where he was again terminated for failing a drug screening. Harwell was next hired by the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office. It's unclear what disciplinary action, if any, he will face there following this DUI charge.

A court date has been set for Harwell to answer to the DUI charge.

Two sources close to this case, say POST council was notified more than a year ago about his terminations, and recommended that his certification be revoked. News 12 is told the final decision is still pending.

Deputy Harwell was also involved in a high speed chase in December 2008 in Lincoln County, where the passenger in the vehicle, Pernell Marshall died after the fleeing car crashed into a tree on Double Branches Road near Price Reese Road. The fleeing driver, Michael Johnson, was severely injured and later charged. Deputy Harwell is currently facing a lawsuit from the deadly crash for his involvement in the chase.