State Trooper Charged With DWI Resigns

Raleigh, N.C. — A state trooper who was charged earlier this month with driving while impaired with his children in the car has resigned, the North Carolina Highway Patrol said Wednesday.

Patrol spokesman Lt. Everett Clendenin said Steven Ellis Bradley, a 16-year veteran, resigned Monday in lieu of dismissal following a Dec. 4 accident in which Bradley crashed his personal vehicle into a pond near the intersection of Jones Franklin and Macedonia roads in Raleigh.

His two children, ages 7 and 18, were not injured. Bradley suffered a wound to his head.

An initial alcohol breath test requested by Bradley before his arrest registered 0.14, according to court documents. North Carolina's legal driving limit is 0.08.

His attorney, Russell Dement of Raleigh, said Bradley knew his career was over and that he was embarrassed and sad that he brought disrespect upon the Highway Patrol.

In addition to DWI, Bradley also faces other charges, including assault, failing to stop at a stop sign, child abuse and carrying a concealed weapon.

Raleigh police said Bradley became combative, kicked an officer and walked away from an investigative officer. An officer's hand was broken while trying to detain him, police said.

Bradley, who worked as a trooper since 1991, was assigned to the special operations division in Raleigh. He was also a member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes members of several law enforcement agencies and federal and state officials.

His first court appearance is set for Jan. 30.