BREAKING: Major Chad Dickerson of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office has announced his retirement, effective immediately, following serious DUI charges filed against him. This shocking development comes just days after Dickerson was charged with two counts of vehicular assault-DUI related to a crash that occurred on July 12, 2023, in Graham, Washington.
The incident involved Dickerson, who was off-duty at the time, driving a Ram pickup truck. He allegedly failed to yield at an uncontrolled intersection, crashing into a Ford Expedition occupied by a family, including three young children aged 8, 4, and 3. The family members suffered significant injuries, including a fractured vertebra and multiple broken ribs for one of the adults. Neighbors rushed to the scene, assisting in pulling family members from the wreckage.
According to court documents, responding deputies reported that Dickerson displayed signs of intoxication, including an odor of alcohol and bloodshot eyes. A blood test conducted nearly four hours post-accident indicated a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.091, exceeding the legal limit.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they were informed of Dickerson’s retirement and will finalize his separation from the department on October 24, 2023. Following the incident, Sheriff Keith Swank initiated an internal investigation into the deputies who responded to the crash, focusing on their use of body cameras and the initial handling of the investigation. Reports suggest that some deputies turned off their cameras and cleared debris from the scene before state troopers arrived.
Dickerson is scheduled to appear in court on November 6, 2023, to face the vehicular assault charges. This case has drawn significant attention, highlighting not only the serious implications of driving under the influence but also raising questions about law enforcement accountability and protocol.
As this story develops, the impact on the community and the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office remains to be seen. Local residents are urged to stay alert for ongoing updates regarding the investigation and the legal proceedings against Dickerson.
With public safety at the forefront, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with impaired driving and the responsibilities held by law enforcement officials. For more updates, stay tuned to local news sources.
