MERCERSBURG, PA. -- Charged last month by Pennsylvania State Police with driving under the influence, a sergeant with the Mercersburg Police Department submitted his resignation Wednesday, Mayor James Zeger said.
William E. "Bill" Sheppard Jr., 46, submitted his resignation at noon, resulting in the cancellation of a special council meeting set for Wednesday night to consider Sheppard's job status, Zeger said.
"We meet next Monday night and we'll begin the procedure of filling the position," Zeger said. Sheppard and Chief Larry Thomas are the department's only full-time officers, he said.
Sheppard also was charged with public drunkenness and disorderly conduct in the incident at the Mercersburg Sportman's Club in Peters Township on the night of Saturday, Jan. 26, police said. Sheppard was leaving the MMP&W Volunteer Fire Department banquet when he drove his Chevrolet Blazer into two parked vehicles, witnesses told state police.