🚻 Oct. 30, 2021: WSFA > Deputy charged with attempted murder, animal cruelty. - #Alabama

 By WSFA 12 News Staff

Published: Oct. 30, 2021 at 2:34 PM PDT

www.wbrc.com

A Lowndes County sheriff’s deputy has been terminated after he was arrested in Autauga County overnight, according to Lowndes County Sheriff Christopher West.

Autauga County Sheriff Joe Sedinger confirmed Michael Jay Lewis has been charged with driving under the influence, attempted murder and aggravated animal cruelty.

Sedinger said the incident happened overnight on County Road 57 near County Road 42. Lewis allegedly shot into an occupied car and hit a dog. The dog was taken to VCA Carriage Hills Animal Hospital where it is in critical condition.

A person in the vehicle was not injured, Sedinger said.

Alabama Law Enforcement Agency troopers say they responded to a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 65 at mile marker 186 at 7 a.m. Saturday. Troopers found found the car, a 2012 Chevrolet Impala and Lewis at 8:30 a.m. near the 184 mile marker.

Troopers took Lewis into custody.

West said Lewis was with the department for three weeks.

“We’re sorry that this incident took place. We’re sorry for the family, the damage to their property, the damage to their dog, and we certainly don’t condone this type of activity at all,” West said. “This type of activity will not – absolutely, positively – will not be tolerated.”

Lewis is being held in the Autauga Metro Jail on a $65,000 bond.

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