An Arkansas police lieutenant has been fired following an incident where he was accused of driving under the influence and subsequently causing a serious accident that left a 19-year-old severely injured. Former Lt. Corbin Dixon, with the Hughes Police Department (HPD), was charged with battery in the second degree and driving while intoxicated after an accident that occurred the day after Christmas on Highway 49 near Jordan, as per a statement obtained by WREG.
According to details shared by the Action News 5 report, Dixon was initially placed on administrative leave, but was then terminated from his position on Monday. The accident, which involved Dixon's cruiser allegedly colliding with a Ford F-150, left the truck driver, Peyton Gregory, with third-degree burns and broken ribs. Dixon claimed he was in pursuit of a suspect possibly linked to a shooting, but did not have his lights on upon crashing and never alerted dispatch of a pursuit. HPD stated that there was no evidence to support Dixon's claim.
The Hughes Police Department emphasized its commitment to high standards of conduct and the repercussions when those standards are not upheld. "At the Hughes Police Department, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, accountability, and service. Incidents like this are unacceptable and do not reflect the dedicated, professional work our officers perform every day to protect and serve this community," HPD said in a statement sourced by WREG. The department also mentioned their intentions to recommend to de-certify Dixon to the Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training.
After the crash, Dixon underwent a breath test, which indicated a blood alcohol content of 0.12%, over the legal limit of 0.08% in Arkansas. The incident led to Dixon's arrest and, according to FOX13 Memphis, he has posted his $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on March 2. Peyton Gregory, the victim, has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home, his mother told reporters from WREG.
