Tuskegee University Police Chief Arrested on DUI Charge in Sandy Springs

SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The police chief of Tuskegee University was arrested on New Year’s Day on suspicion of driving under the influence in a metro Atlanta suburb, prompting the university to place him on administrative leave and launch an internal review.

Kareem Easley, who was hired as Tuskegee University’s police chief in October 2025 after more than two decades in law enforcement, was taken into custody by the Sandy Springs Police Department early Thursday morning.

According to police, an officer observed a vehicle traveling the wrong way on a one-way street in the area of New Northside Drive and Powers Ferry Road at approximately 5:50 a.m. on January 1. After stopping the vehicle, police conducted a DUI investigation, resulting in Easley’s arrest on charges that include Driving Under the Influence–Less Safe and wrong-way driving. He was transported to the City of Smyrna Jail and his vehicle was impounded.

In a statement, Tuskegee University said Easley has been placed on administrative leave “in an abundance of caution” as it conducts a full internal investigation. Assistant Chief Darrius Jones has been appointed Acting Chief of Police during Easley’s absence. “Tuskegee University is committed to the rule of law and will not rush to judgment pending a full internal investigation,” university officials said.

The arrest, which occurred off campus and in another state, has prompted scrutiny of leadership expectations within university police departments, particularly at historically Black colleges and universities, where campus safety and public trust are critical concerns.

Easley brought over 20 years of experience in local, county, and state law enforcement to his role at the Alabama-based historically Black university. Before joining Tuskegee University, he served with agencies including the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the Birmingham Police Department, and the Alabama Board of Pardons and Parole. His career includes leadership roles and recognition for service, including work on executive protection details and specialized task forces.

The Sandy Springs Police Department has not released further comment, and no injuries were reported in connection with the incident.