Ex-Red Bank cop probed for DUI after crashes, drunk shift

Source: timesfreepress.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

The Chattanooga Times Free Press reports that the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office has opened a criminal investigation into Brantley Young, a 37-year-old former Red Bank police officer who resigned in March 2026 after multiple on-duty crashes and showing up drunk for work.[[1]](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/apr/06/red-bank-officer-under-investigation-for-possible) Key figures include Hamilton County District Attorney Coty Wamp, who noted Young's failed blood alcohol test, and Red Bank city officials who escorted him home in a patrol car.[[1]](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/apr/06/red-bank-officer-under-investigation-for-possible) This update follows earlier coverage of his resignation and comes as authorities weigh potential charges.[[1]](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/apr/06/red-bank-officer-under-investigation-for-possible)

Key points

Details and context

Young's crashes occurred during his employment with the small Red Bank Police Department in Hamilton County, Tennessee, near Chattanooga; one incident involved totaling a police SUV.[[2]](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/mar/08/red-bank-police-officer-resigns-after-three) His claim of unawareness about being drunk highlights potential issues with self-monitoring or department protocols for impairment checks.[[2]](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/mar/08/red-bank-police-officer-resigns-after-three)

The Sheriff's investigation marks an escalation from Red Bank's internal handling, where he resigned instead of facing termination; no charges filed as of April 6 reporting.[[1]](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/apr/06/red-bank-officer-under-investigation-for-possible) This fits a pattern of local police misconduct scrutiny, including past Red Bank cases, but focuses here on reckless driving risks by officers.[[2]](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/mar/08/red-bank-police-officer-resigns-after-three)

Key quotes

None reliably sourced in available coverage.

Why it matters

Impaired officers on duty threaten public safety through crashes and poor decision-making, eroding trust in local police like Red Bank's small force.

Residents and drivers in Hamilton County face direct risks from such incidents, while departments must tighten screening to avoid liability.

Watch for charges from the Sheriff's probe or DA action, though outcomes remain uncertain pending full review.[[1]](https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2026/apr/06/red-bank-officer-under-investigation-for-possible)