A Wayne County deputy was fired after he was charged with impaired driving Monday night in Edgecombe County, authorities said.

William Roscoe Young, 44, of Wilson was unhurt in a crash that occurred about 10:40 p.m. Monday on N.C. 42 near Pinetops, an N.C. Highway Patrol spokeswoman said.

Wayne County Sheriff Carey Winders said he was disappointed after hearing about Young's accident, adding that department policy required him to fire the deputy.

"He was a good officer, and he made a mistake," Winders said. "I hate to see it, but that's our policy.

"He regrets it, and he's embarrassed."

Young was driving a Ford Mustang on Monday night when he crossed the center line, lost control and ran into a ditch, the patrol spokeswoman said. Troopers estimated he was traveling about 55 mph when he lost control of the vehicle. The speed limit for that stretch of highway is 55 mph.

Authorities measured Young's blood alcohol content at 0.13 after the accident. The legal limit for driving in North Carolina is 0.08.

Young apparently was wearing his seat belt and exited the car before help arrived.

"He was standing on the side of the road waiting for the (trooper)," she added.