Update: Navassa Police Chief Suspended

NAVASSA–After 13 years with Navassa’s Police Department, Chief Ricky Thorpe’s job is in jeopardy. Saturday, a State Trooper arrested Thorpe on a charge of driving under the influence in his patrol car, his blood alcohol level was .27 –more than 3 times the legal limit.

Navassa Mayor Eulis Willis was stunned.

“There’s no excuse you’re a grown man you have a law enforcement job so you know what the difference is.”

Currently Thorpe is suspended without pay until town officials further investigate. Brilynn Cologgi and her family just moved to Navassa. She doesn’t feel Thorpe should get a second chance.

“For him to be doing something so negative makes me very worried.”

Willis says there’s no need for residents to worry. Navassa police have always had an agreement with Brunkswick Couty Sheriffs department to respond instantly to 911 calls in Navassa.

While Thorpe is suspended, one of the two remaining Navassa police officers will fill in.

The town plans to hire two more officers this year. We attempted to contact Thorpe with no success.