Nashville, Tennessee --- Department of Safety Commissioner David Mitchell has placed Trooper Vernon M. Pruitt on administrative leave with pay effective August 23, 2007, pending an investigation by the Office of Professional Responsibility.

This action comes after an incident on Wednesday, August 22, 2007, in Shelby County where Trooper Pruitt was arrested for DUI by the Millington, Tennessee Police Department. According to the Millington Police Department Report, Trooper Pruitt was stopped at about 3:00 a.m. for speeding 50 mph in a 40 mph zone on Raleigh-Millington Rd. in Millington while off-duty. Subsequently, Millington Police charged Trooper Pruitt with DUI, Reckless Driving and Speeding.

Trooper Pruitt will remain on administrative leave with pay pending the outcome of the OPR investigation. He has been with the Department of Safety since 1981 and is assigned to the Memphis District.

Pending the internal investigation and judicial proceedings, this is all the Department of Safety can release at this time.

The Tennessee Department of Safety's mission is (www.tn.gov/safety) to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.