Stacey Barchenger

USA TODAY NETWORK – Tennessee

A Nashville youth services police detective has been arrested on charges including DUI and decommissioned from the department, officials said Sunday.

Detective Mike Clark, 51, was off duty when Goodlettsville police found him sleeping early Sunday in the driver's seat of his unmarked police car in the parking lot of a convenience store on Long Hollow Pike, according to Nashville police.

A concerned store clerk called for help.

Nashville police said Clark smelled like alcohol and said he struck a median on Vietnam Veterans Parkway, damaging a tire. His loaded department-issue pistol was in the backseat of the car, according to Nashville police.

Metro has 350 police decommissions since 2013

A DUI officer responded to the scene. Officials said Clark failed sobriety tests and refused to take a breath test.

Clark has been with Metro Nashville Police Department for 26 years. The youth services division investigates crimes at schools and involving juveniles, among other duties. The department's Office of Professional Accountability is conducting an investigation of his actions. Clark was stripped of his policing powers Sunday, according to police.

Clark has posted bond and been released from jail. He faces charges of DUI, gun possession while under the influence, leaving the scene of an accident and violation of the implied consent law.

Reach Stacey Barchenger at 615-726-8968 or on Twitter @sbarchenger.