CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — A Chester County sheriff's deputy was fired on the spot after he was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of driving under the influence.
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Officials said Deputy Evan Hawthorne was charged by the South Carolina State Highway Patrol.
Chester County Sheriff Max Dorsey told Channel 9's South Carolina bureau reporter Greg Suskin Hawthorne was off-duty when he was arrested, but he was driving his patrol car.
Hawthorne crashed his patrol car at the Chester Park school complex on Highway 9 around 11:15 p.m., officials said.
The front of the Ford Crown Victoria was crushed. There was a long scrape down the driver’s side and the windshield was shattered where the deputy’s head hit.
The car plowed through several parking signs, which included those for the school principal and staff.
The car ended up smashing into a concrete base of a light pole, scattering pieces of the cruiser across the ground.
Hawthorne was hired by the previous sheriff, Alex Underwood, who left the department.
Dorsey said Hawthorne started road patrol for the sheriff's office May 1.
Hawthorne was released from jail on his own recognizance and it wasn't clear if he had an attorney.
No other information has been released.
This is an ongoing investigation. Check back with wsoctv.com for more information.
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