Arrest of sheriff surprises official

LISBON — Columbiana County Commissioner Jim Hoppel said he was “highly disappointed” over reports that Sheriff David L. Smith is charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

In addition to the OVI charge, the Ohio State Highway Patrol also cited Smith for speeding and driving outside marked lanes. He was stopped Thursday on Interstate 70 in Guernsey County.

The sheriff, a Republican, is due in Cambridge Municipal Court in that county this week. Smith, 57, of East Liverpool, has referred questions to his lawyer.

The patrol reported that Smith said he had left a dinner at Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association, a professional law enforcement group, in Columbus.

Hoppel, also a Republican and chairman of the commissioners, said today he had been asked by another newspaper whether Smith should resign.

The commissioner said he replied that Smith hasn’t even been to court yet, and any such action would be premature.

For the complete story, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com.