MS Coast police sergeant arrested in Tennessee on suspicion of DUI

A Gulfport police sergeant was arrested Wednesday in Tennessee on suspicion of driving under the influence in an unmarked city-owned car, authorities said.

Joseph Prine Jr., 33, was arrested early Wednesday by the police department in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

He was jailed on misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence, violating open container laws and carrying a weapon while under the influence, according to a county jail docket.

Gulfport police confirmed Thursday that Prine is a sergeant in the department. In a news release Thursday afternoon, Gulfport Police Chief Adam Cooper said Prine was attending out-of-state training and off-duty during the arrest.

“It is a personnel matter, and we are investigating” said Lt. Jason DuCré.

Prine graduated from the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy in 2015, according to a Facebook post by the Gulfport Police Department. The mayor’s office recognized him in April 2022 for his service as a detective. The police department promoted him in January 2024.

Jail records from Sevier County, Tennessee show Prine was held on a $4,000 bond and released Wednesday afternoon.

Gulfport police said Prine is on leave as the department conducts an internal investigation.

This story was originally published December 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM.