Correctional Officer Arrested

A correctional officer is facing charges following a traffic stop in Selma.

Around 6:45am Thursday, Selma Police said they received a report of a reckless driver headed towards their city limits on US 70.  When the vehicle entered the city limits, an officer clocked the truck traveling 10 mph in a 45 mph zone.  The officer turned on his blue lights but the vehicle took another half-mile before it pulled over.

Police said the driver, 43 year-old Walter Elwood Wheeler III of Pikeville was arrested for driving while impaired, carrying a concealed weapon and failure to maintain lane control.

According to a police report, Wheeler may have been under the influence of prescription medication. A blood sample was taken from him at the local hospital.

During a search of his 2001 Chevy Silverado a loaded Taurus 38 special was reportedly found in the center console of the vehicle. Police seized the firearm and ammunition.

Wheeler was released on a $1,000 bond pending a March 27th court appearance.

According to a spokesperson for the NC Department of Corrections, Wheeler is a Correctional Officer at Central Prison in Raleigh. As of Monday there has been no change in his personnel status.