A sergeant in the Cleveland Police Department is now on restricted leave after he was arrested and charged with intoxicated operation of a vehicle. The Ohio officer was driving when his vehicle struck a parked car. Body camera footage from officers on the scene shows police speaking with neighbors who provided an account of what allegedly happened. The current status of his drunk driving charge was not reported.
The alleged drunk driving incident
Witnesses claim that the incident took place when the officer was driving northbound on the street, suddenly swerving and striking the parked car. Body cam footage from the scene of the accident records the driver explaining to law enforcement that he swerved because of a vehicle backing out of a driveway at a high rate of speed.
The police department where the driver is employed will conduct an administrative review of the accident and arrest after the formal investigation is complete. While he is currently on leave, the department has not indicated if he will be able to return to work. While he was arrested for drunk driving, but there are no details regarding blood alcohol content testing or sobriety tests.
A strong defense is critical
If convicted of drunk driving, this Ohio police officer could face consequences that may affect him for the rest of his life. It is also possible his entire career as an officer of the law and his personal reputation are at stake as well. It is in his interests to protect his future and personal freedom by mounting a thoughtfully prepared defense.
