St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Deputy Layne Richard of Eunice has been arrested after an investigation allegedly revealed he was using illegal drugs, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Responding to a complaint, a supervisor observed Richard unsteady on his feet, his speech slurred and his patrol unit damaged.

Richard allegedly told the supervisor he had driven into a ditch after hitting a pothole. He had not reported the accident.

The department said Richard, during a series of test at an Opelousas hospital, allegedly admitted using crystal meth, cocaine and non-prescribed Lortabs. Blood samples were sent to the State Police Lab for analysis.

Meanwhile, Richard, of 218 Veterans Dr., was booked in the parish jail on charges of malfeasance in office, hit and run drive and careless and reckless driving.

Richard, whose employment was terminated by Sheriff Bobby Guidroz, has been a commissioned law enforcement officer with the department since June 2006.