Update, 9 a.m. Thursday, with additional details.
CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The assistant chief of the Vanderbilt University Police Department was arrested in Clarksville Tuesday on DUI charges.
Ricky Burr was charged with driving under the influence, open container, possession of a handgun while under the influence and violation of implied consent law, according to Montgomery County Jail records.
At 12:19 a.m. early Tuesday morning, Burr was pulled over on Rossview Road because his tail lights were out, according to an arrest warrant obtained by Clarksville Now. The officer approached the car and smelled alcohol. Burr had slurred speech and watery eyes, and he said he’d been drinking, the warrant said, and there was a drink in the cup holder.
When asked, Burr said there was a gun in the car. Police found a loaded 9 mm in the trunk of the vehicle, the warrant said.
Assistant Chief Burr has been in law enforcement for 15 years, nine of which have been at Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt University said in a statement to WKRN that it is aware of Burr’s arrest and takes such matters seriously.
“When a Vanderbilt University employee is arrested, the person typically is placed on administrative leave while the university investigates; any alleged violation of the law by a VUPS officer also is reported to the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department’s Office of Professional Accountability,” the statement said.
“The university will take action based on the outcome of its investigation, as appropriate, to ensure that the campus is as safe as possible.”
Correction: Initial information about Burr’s arrest came from the MCSO booking log, not from CPD. The article has been updated.
WKRN-Channel 2 in Nashville is a Clarksville Now news partner.