Robertson County sheriff arrested after alleged high-speed pursuit and DUI stop
MASON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The sheriff of Robertson County was arrested Tuesday night after authorities say he drove at more than 100 miles per hour with flashing blue lights activated, nearly striking another law enforcement vehicle before being taken into custody.
According to a uniform citation filed by Mason County Sheriff Ryan Swolsky, Sheriff Terry Gray was arrested after deputies received reports from Mays Lick Volunteer Fire Department personnel about a white pickup truck speeding north on U.S. 68 with emergency lights flashing.
Sheriff Swolsky wrote that he heard the sirens from his house and saw the truck—later identified as being driven by Gray—coming toward him on Helena Road at an extremely high rate of speed. Swolsky says the vehicle nearly struck his own before continuing east, crossing the center line multiple times and almost overturning into an embankment.
The citation states that Gray eventually turned onto a private driveway, where his vehicle came to rest. Sheriff Swolsky then conducted what he described as a high-risk traffic stop and detained Gray, who was wearing his sheriff’s uniform, a sidearm, and handcuffs.
Swolsky reported smelling alcohol on Gray’s person. When questioned, Gray reportedly said he had been pursuing another vehicle near the Robertson-Mason county line and admitted to traveling at speeds “in excess of 110 miles per hour” while searching for it.
Deputies say Gray declined field sobriety and breath tests at the scene, though a later breath test was administered after his arrest. A miniature bottle of Fireball whiskey was found in his pocket, the citation states.
According to the citation, Gray told Sheriff Swolsky while in custody he was “not that drunk.”
Gray was booked into the Mason County Detention Center and charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence and reckless driving. He’s also charged with 1st Degree Wanton Endangerment and 1st Degree Official Misconduct.
Gray faced similar DUI charges at least one other time, in December of 2023.
