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KNIGHTDALE, N.C. — A North Carolina police chief has been charged with driving while impaired after being involved in a car crash.

WRAL reported that the North Carolina State Highway Patrol arrested Bailey Police Chief John Arthur Ennis, 31, of Knightdale, on Monday night.

Troopers said they smelled a strong odor of alcohol on the suspect’s breath after he was involved in a crash shortly before 7:30 p.m. His car went off the road and overturned.

The police chief was allegedly slurring his speech failed a field sobriety test. He claimed he was taking prescription cold medicine and not alcohol.

The suspect had blood alcohol level of .21, according to a Breathalyzer test, well above the legal limit of .08.

The police chief has worked with the Baily Police Department for four years. He has been suspended with pay.

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