Thursday, January 14, 2010

Officer Daniel Shafranek Charged with OWI

Ottumwa Police Chief Jim Clark confirmed Tuesday that one of his officers is on administrative leave after a weekend arrest.

Officer Daniel Shafranek, 33, was charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated by an Iowa State Patrol trooper on Sunday. The charge is a serious misdemeanor but could have a major impact on Shafranek’s career with the OPD.

Clark said his department is conducting an internal investigation into the arrest.

Shafranek is a relatively new hire for the department. He started work in Ottumwa last February.

This appears to be Shafranek’s first OWI charge. Aggravated misdemeanors can carry up to two years in prison upon conviction, but such a stiff penalty would be very unusual for a first-time offense.

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