Douglas County Sheriff Firing Fast-Rising Commander
Sheriff Darren Weekly cited a 0.253 blood alcohol level and aggressive conduct toward Parker officers in the dismissal of former commander Andrew Sanders.
By Madison Darwish ·
Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly stated he had no prior knowledge of alcohol issues among his senior staff before the arrest of former commander Andrew Sanders. The incident, which involved Sanders spitting at a Parker police officer, led to his rapid termination and a guilty plea on DUI and assault charges.
In an exclusive interview, Weekly described Sanders as a 'rising star' who promoted quickly and maintained a strong record. 'I have no idea. I wish I knew,' Weekly said regarding how a commander in his office could behave in such a manner. He emphasized that no complaints or warning signs had reached his attention before the February arrest.
Parker police officers observed Sanders swerving between lanes, leading to his stop. A subsequent blood test revealed his alcohol level at 0.253, which exceeds Colorado's legal driving limit by more than three times. Body-camera footage from the scene shows Sanders, while handcuffed to a hospital bed, repeatedly cursing at officers, attempting to headbutt them, and spitting toward a female officer.
The aggressive behavior prompted an additional charge against Sanders. Weekly, who has served in law enforcement for 33 years, noted the rarity of such conduct among officers. 'I've never seen anyone behave the way he behaved,' the sheriff stated. He dismissed Sanders days after the arrest but personally visited the Parker Police Department to apologize to the officers involved.
Weekly expressed embarrassment over the situation, telling the officers he was sorry for the conduct and the situation Sanders created. He noted that resources were available within his office for those struggling with alcohol, though he acknowledged Sanders had crossed a line that could not be ignored. Sanders has since pleaded guilty and received a sentence of 60 days in jail and two years of probation.
The sheriff pointed to the need for law enforcement to be held to a higher standard as the reason for speaking publicly. 'I think it's important for the people to know that law enforcement absolutely should be held to a higher standard,' Weekly said. He expressed hope that Sanders receives help, adding gratitude that the incident did not result in physical injury to any officer.
The case highlights the internal processes of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office in handling senior staff misconduct. Weekly confirmed that the agency maintains support systems for employees dealing with alcohol struggles. The sentencing of Sanders to jail time and probation concludes the judicial portion of the case, while the department continues its operations without the former commander.
