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Barling Fire Chief Arrested On Suspicion Of DWI

BARLING (KFSM) — The chief of the Barling Fire Department was arrested Saturday (June 18) on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to the Seba...

BARLING (KFSM) -- The chief of the Barling Fire Department was arrested Saturday (June 18) on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, according to the Sebastian County Sheriff's Office.

Lewis Haggard was taken into custody around 3 a.m. Saturday on suspicion of DWI, driving left-of-center and speeding, the sheriff's office said.

According to the police report from the Barling Police Department, Haggard was driving a white motorcycle on Highway 22 when he was pulled over for speeding. The report states  David Lawson was also traveling on a motorcycle and was pulled over as well. The officer writing the report stated the two motorcycles were traveling 65mph in a 55mph zone. The officer stated he asked Haggard how much he had to drink and he replied, "6,7,8,9,10,11,12.....I don't know". The officer also wrote in the report that Haggard told him, "I practice this s*** every weekend".

Haggard posted bond Sunday, according to the sheriff's office. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and will appear before a judge in September.

Barling City Administrator Mike Tanner said as of Monday (June 20), Haggard was on paid administrative leave. Tanner expects a city board meeting to be held Tuesday to discuss what happens next.

"Chief Haggard was put on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation at an administrative hearing before the Barling board of directors. Mr. Haggard has been the Barling fire chief for eight years and is classified as a salary position," Tanner said.

 For now, each Barling fire captain will be the person in charge during any given shift, Tanner said.

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