Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Sgt. David J Muehl Accused of Drunk Driving

An off-duty Milwaukee police supervisor had a blood-alcohol level more than four times the level that's evidence of intoxication when he was arrested over the weekend at Mitchell International Airport, according to information released by the Milwaukee County sheriff's office.

Sheriff's spokeswoman Kim Brooks confirmed Tuesday that David J. Muehl, 42, a sergeant with 15 years of service, registered 0.37 on a breath test before he was taken to a hospital for a blood test to support a ticket issued by a deputy early Saturday accusing him of first offense operating while intoxicated.

A blood-alcohol concentration of 0.08 is considered legal evidence of intoxication.

Muehl has been placed on administrative duty pending an internal investigation, according to Milwaukee Police Department spokeswoman Anne E. Schwartz. He is assigned to the department's Neighborhood Task Force. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

According to the sheriff's office:

Another driver called 911 when a Honda CRV nearly struck another car while eastbound on W. Layton Ave. near S. 6th St. The caller said the Honda had made abrupt moves and was swerving from lane to lane.

The caller followed the vehicle to the airport and alerted a deputy to his suspicion of drunken driving.

At 6:12 a.m., the deputy found Muehl in the Honda parked along a departing flights lane at the airport. Brooks said the engine was still running.

Muehl rolled down his window and "displayed signs of intoxication - slurred speech, a strong odor of alcohol, and he appeared to be confused," Brooks said.

The deputy had Muehl exit the vehicle, and he was unable to stand without assistance, according to Brooks, quoting a department report. Muehl told the deputy he was on his way to catch a flight.

After being taken to the hospital, Muehl was taken back to the sheriff's substation at the airport for booking and then released to a responsible party at 9:25 a.m.

A court hearing on the ticket is scheduled for April 29. If convicted, Muehl could pay a forfeiture of $796.50. Brooks said he was also issued a second ticket for having a prohibited alcohol content.
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http://www.wisn.com/news/19060226/detail.html

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