Kentucky State Police trooper accused of unreasonable force now charged with DUI
A Kentucky State Police trooper already suspended because of a pending federal court case has been charged with DUI, according to court records.
Jarrod Lewis, 28, of Hiseville, is charged with DUI — first offense and possessing an open alcohol beverage container in a motor vehicle. His arrest citation says he works for KSP in Elizabethtown.
Lewis is one of three officers named in a federal indictment alleging unreasonable force in March 2020 in Hardin County. KSP spokeswoman Sherry Bray said Lewis has been suspended since March 4 because of the indictment, and his employment status has not changed.
“The Kentucky State Police is committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism, ethics and morals in service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Bray said in a statement.
Police were dispatched to the Hiseville Park Road area in Barren County May 7 after someone called 911 and hung up. Officers found Lewis in the parking lot of a church, and it appeared he had been drinking.
Lewis’ truck was in the church parking lot with the keys in the ignition. Court documents say the hood of the truck was warmer than ambient temperature, indicating the engine had recently been shut off.
Officers found an open container of Pirate Water, a tropical malt alcoholic drink, inside the truck, according to court documents. Lewis told officers he purchased the Pirate Water and three Twisted Teas throughout the day.
Lewis also told officers he drove to the church to cool off, according to court documents. He performed several field sobriety tests and showed multiple intoxication indicators.
Officers smelled alcohol on Lewis’ breath and noticed he had bloodshot and watery eyes. Court documents say he initially declined to take a breathalyzer test but later took the test and blew a .218 blood-level alcohol content.
Lewis declined to take a blood test.
Lewis was booked into the Barren County Detention Center. Court records say he was released Friday on his own recognizance, meaning he did not have to pay bail money.
Lewis is scheduled to be arraigned in Barren District Court on May 29, according to court records.
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This story was originally published May 13, 2025 at 9:48 AM.
