King County deputy fired after passing out in boat, leaving gun on dock where teenagers found it



SEATTLE (AP) — A King County sheriff's deputy has been fired after he reportedly passed out drunk in a boat and left his gun behind on the dock, where it was found by teenagers.

Deputy Christopher Dearth was terminated May 1, according to personnel records provided to The Associated Press under a Public Records Act request.

Chief Deputy Jim Pugel wrote that it was clear the off-duty, 28-year-old Dearth not only operated a vessel in the Tacoma Narrows under the influence Jan. 19, but also left his department-issued identification and firearm on the dock at the Narrows Marina — and assaulted the Tacoma police officers who responded.

Pugel said it appears the only reason Dearth wasn't arrested was because he was a deputy.

The King County Police Officers Guild did not immediately return messages seeking comment.

Dearth was named Washington’s Most Wanted Officer of the Month in April 2014 for catching a wanted child rapist twice.