By now, most readers are likely aware that Carrol Mitchem, Chairman of the Lincoln County Board of Commissiioners, was arrested for driving while impaired on Wednesday night (June 8th).

Mitchem's arrest by officers from The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office came after a caller told of a vehicle apparently being operated by someone who was impaired. Deputies followed Mitchem's vehicle and after it swerved conducted a traffic stop where they discovered that Mitchem was the operator and that he was impaired. The deputies charged him with DWI after his blood alcohol content was confirmed to be 0.14 (0.08 is legally impaired under NC law). Mitchem was released on a $1500 bond.

The Lincoln Herald did not originally report the arrest. No accident or injury to any party occurred, and the decision was made because we have not in any other case reported on DWI arrests. Mitchem's position was the only legitimate reason for reporting this one, and social media was already very active spreading the word about it, so we so no need to add to the discussion.

On Thursday afternoon (June 9th) Chairman Mitchem issued a statement which was disseminated by the County government office:

“I want to apologize for my actions that led up to the events of June 8th. I will make no attempt at excuses for my actions and I take responsibility for the decisions that were made by myself on that day. I am thankful that my actions did not harm others. I can only acknowledge my actions and accept full responsibility for those actions.

Mitchem is scheduled for a September 2nd appearance in court.