Another Schenectady city police officer has been arrested, tacking on to the department's ever-growing list of members who have gotten into trouble with the law.
This latest arrest involved 27-year-old officer Michael R. Brown of Pattersonville, who allegedly drove drunk on Sunday night before rear-ending another vehicle at Route 9 and Osborne Rd. in Colonie, said Colonie Det. Lt. John Van Alstyne.
Brown sustained injury to his head in the crash, which occurred at around 10:30 p.m.. He was off-duty and driving his 2005 Toyota pickup truck, said Lt. Van Alstyne.
He continued to drive after hitting the car, then stopped about two-tenths of a mile down the road, said Lt. Van Alstyne.
Brown refused a breathalyzer test at the scene. He faces misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and leaving the scene of a personal injury accident.
He was treated at the scene and released for a cut to his head. A passenger in the car Brown struck was also treated for a non life-threatening injury,.
Brown, who's been with the Schenectady Police Department since 2004, has been suspended from the force for 30 days without pay. The department's professional standards unit has initiated an internal investigation, said a spokesperson.
The department was recently restructured, adding two non-union management positions of assistant police chief and captain of internal affairs, as part of a move to shake up an agency that's become increasingly blemished with reports of troubled officers.
Said Commissioner Wayne Bennett, "The majority of the Schenectady Police Officers conduct themselves in compliance with all laws as well as department rules and regulations. Regrettably, a few officers continue to refuse to abide by these mandates. In such cases, where evidence corroborates non-compliance, I will utilize my authority as disciplinary officer to assess penalties, including termination where appropriate, to put an end to this behavior and further criticism of the Schenectady Police Department. The case of Patrolman Michael R. Brown will be handled consistent with this policy."
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