July 10, following a wee-morning single-vehicle crash in Beaumont, Jefferson County Precinct 4 Chief Deputy Constable Jimmy Arnold Croley Jr., 53, was arrested for driving while intoxicated.
Croley was placed on administrative leave following the arrest, according to the Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a trooper dispatched to the scene of a single-vehicle crash in the 8100 block of Smith Rd. at approximately 1:17 a.m. found Croley near a gray Chevrolet Silverado pickup wrecked in a ditch and a damaged TxDOT sign. Croley reportedly told the trooper he was on his way home after having “a couple of drinks” over A cdinner with his ex-wife, when another vehicle ran him off the road.
A charging instrument in the deputy constable’s arrest asserted that the responding trooper observed Croley slur his speech and he reeked of alcohol; further, Croley refused to comply with a field sobriety test or give a breath or blood specimen.
Just over three hours later, the trooper had secured a judicial-approved blood sample from Croley before the alleged drunk driver was medically cleared and transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility. without incident, according to the affidavit.
Jefferson County Precinct 4 Constable Bryan Werner said his office “is aware of the arrest involving Chief Deputy Jim Croley.”
“Effective immediately, Chief Deputy Croley has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an administrative review and any related investigations,” Werner advised July 11. “The Jefferson County Constable’s Office, Precinct 4, is committed to transparency and accountability. We take all allegations involving our personnel seriously, regardless of rank or position, and will ensure this matter is handled fairly, thoroughly, and in accordance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures.”
“To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and to ensure due process for all involved,” Werner further stated, “we will not be providing additional comments at this time.
“Our commitment to the citizens of Jefferson County, and Precinct 4, remains unchanged. We will continue to serve our community with professionalism, integrity, and dedication while maintaining the public’s trust through accountability and responsible leadership.”
Jim Croley