Sheriff's deputy let go after recent DWI arrest
By Nick Hiltunen
Published in News on June 5, 2009 1:46 PM
A part-time deputy was asked to resign Wednesday evening for allegedly driving while intoxicated, Sheriff's Office officials said.
Patti Enloe had worked with the Sheriff's Office as a part-time bailiff and jail worker since about March, Maj. Ray Smith said.
Ms. Enloe's troubles allegedly started when she drove to visit a friend near her home outside of the Fallingbrook subdivision on Wednesday afternoon, Smith said.
The part-time deputy went to the wrong home and went inside, the major said.
"That was my understanding -- she went to visit a friend and went to the wrong house," Smith said. "The door was unlocked, and she went on in."
A neighbor of the home saw the unauthorized entry and followed her onto a path near the home, Smith and Sheriff Carey Winders said.
Ms. Enloe stopped on that path, and deputies were dispatched to evaluate the situation, authorities said.
When the deputies arrived, Ms. Enloe was found to be heavily intoxicated, and was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, Smith said.
The county sheriff said that his office has a "zero tolerance" policy for drug and alcohol violations.
"This will not be tolerated. It is a violation of the law and of the Sheriff's Office, and therefore she was (asked to resign)," Winders said.
Because of the zero tolerance policy, authorities said Ms. Enloe could be terminated if she refuses to resign her part-time post.
Smith said that the incident was "really unfortunate" because Ms. Enloe had worked hard for the Sheriff's Office.
"She was a heck of an employee," he said. "I really hated to lose her."