The California Highway Patrol arrested Bryan Troy Smith, 33, of Hidden Valley Lake shortly before 10 p.m. following an investigation of the incident, officials reported Wednesday.
“As of this morning he was placed on approved leave,” Capt. James Bauman of the Lake County Sheriff's Office said regarding Smith.
Bauman said Smith had just started his swing shift Tuesday when the collision took place.
CHP Officer Steve Tanguay said Smith was on duty and driving in his patrol car shortly before 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, traveling northbound on Mountain Meadow Road North within Hidden Valley Lake, when the crash occurred.
Smith allowed the patrol vehicle to veer to the right and struck a parked vehicle, Tanguay said.
The CHP received both calls from the public and the sheriff's office regarding the crash, with the sheriff's office asking the CHP to handle the investigation, according to Tanguay.
When CHP officers arrived on scene, Tanguay said they observed that Smith was showing signs of impairment.
After an evaluation, CHP Officer Adam Garcia arrested Smith for suspicion of driving under the influence of prescription medication. Tanguay said a blood sample was obtained from Smith and he was transported to the Lake County Jail for booking.
Tanguay said both vehicles sustained minor damage from the crash, which reportedly occurred at a low rate of speed.
Smith was booked just after 11 p.m., with bail set at $5,000, according to jail booking records. He posted bail later and was released.
Bauman said Smith began as a correctional officer with the sheriff's office in 2002 and was promoted to deputy in 2007.
“We want the public to know we support whatever actions CHP took last night and whatever charges they determine need to be filed with the district attorney, if at all,” said Bauman.
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