A Coon Rapids police officer is scheduled to appear in court next month on suspicion of driving drunk while off duty two weeks ago.
Michelle Coffey, 43, was arrested April 10 after the vehicle she was driving was involved in a property damage accident in Ramsey and the responding officer detected a strong smell of alcohol on Coffey's breath, according to an incident report provided Tuesday by Ramsey police.
Coffey, a patrol officer, has been employed with the Coon Rapids Police Department for at least 15 years, according to Police Chief Brad Wise.
"She is taking this very seriously and will be taking proactive steps to address it," said Mike Brandt, Coffey's attorney.
The incident took place at 4:42 a.m. at the intersection of Sunfish Lake Boulevard and Nowthen Boulevard.
Coffey was reportedly traveling on Sunfish Lake Boulevard with a male passenger when she went to turn onto Nowthen Boulevard and pulled out in front of another car, the incident report said.
The other vehicle ended up hitting Coffey on the driver's side, causing heavy damage to both vehicles. Nobody was hurt.
Coffey, who initially told the investigating officer that she had not been driving, failed sobriety tests at the scene.
She recorded a 0.19 blood-alcohol concentration at the Ramsey police station.
She faces two misdemeanor charges of driving while intoxicated and is scheduled to be arraigned May 9 in Anoka County District Court.
Wise described Coffey as a "good person and a great cop" who has no sustained complaints in her personnel file.
She will remain on active duty as her case makes its way through the court system.
"She will respond to the citation and the courts will deal with it and, once that happens, obviously as an employer we will deal with it, also," Wise said. "She made a mistake and she needs to answer for that, but I hope she gets treated just like everybody else."
Showing posts with label DWI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label DWI. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Tuesday, April 08, 2014
Officer Shieed Haniff Arrested for DWI
A city cop was arrested for driving drunk, smashing into cars and speeding through a police stop as fellow officers gave chase, authorities said Monday.
The alleged intoxicated ride by Shieed Haniff, 30, ended Sunday minutes before midnight when he was stopped in East New York, Brooklyn.
Police saw Haniff drive erratically and hit a car, before making a u-turn and crashing into another car, causing injuries for occupants in both vehicles, court papers alleged.
The seven-year NYPD veteran then drove off and plowed through a traffic stop with “police jumping out of the way,” the document said.
Cops charged Haniff with leaving the scene of an accident, DWI, reckless driving and refusing to take a breath test. He was released without bail, but his license was revoked.
The alleged intoxicated ride by Shieed Haniff, 30, ended Sunday minutes before midnight when he was stopped in East New York, Brooklyn.
Police saw Haniff drive erratically and hit a car, before making a u-turn and crashing into another car, causing injuries for occupants in both vehicles, court papers alleged.
The seven-year NYPD veteran then drove off and plowed through a traffic stop with “police jumping out of the way,” the document said.
Cops charged Haniff with leaving the scene of an accident, DWI, reckless driving and refusing to take a breath test. He was released without bail, but his license was revoked.
Monday, April 07, 2014
Officer James Foutch Arrested After Crash that Killed Man
The Madison County Sheriff's Department says Edgewood police Officer James Foutch was off duty when his SUV ran into the back of a car driven by 22-year-old Rebecca Marie Sperry of Pendleton on Sunday.
The Herald Bulletin reports the car went off Indiana 32 near the town of Lapel and into a utility pole, crushing the car's passenger side. The county coroner says Jesse Sperry died. His wife was taken to an Indianapolis hospital.
Police say Foutch was possibly under the influence of prescription medication and was jailed on a preliminary charge of driving while intoxicated causing death. It wasn't clear whether he had an attorney.
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Officer Liam Donahue Arrested for DWI
A 22-year-old off-duty police officer was arrested early Saturday on charges of driving while intoxicated, according to police.
Liam Donahue was arrested just after 6 a.m. in Queens, when he crashed his vehicle into an empty parked car around the intersection of 40th Avenue and 218th Street, police said.
Donahue refused to take a breathalyzer test offered to him by members of the NYPD who questioned him at the scene, the NY Daily News reported.
He was taken to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset for further evaluation, according to the NYPD.
Donahue had joined the force in July 2013, and had been working as part of the Patrol Borough Manhattan North since, the paper wrote.
Liam Donahue was arrested just after 6 a.m. in Queens, when he crashed his vehicle into an empty parked car around the intersection of 40th Avenue and 218th Street, police said.
Donahue refused to take a breathalyzer test offered to him by members of the NYPD who questioned him at the scene, the NY Daily News reported.
He was taken to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset for further evaluation, according to the NYPD.
Donahue had joined the force in July 2013, and had been working as part of the Patrol Borough Manhattan North since, the paper wrote.
Sunday, March 09, 2014
Corrections Officer Patrick Brown Arrested for Drunk Driving
A city Department of Correction officer was busted on charges of drunk driving early Monday morning, police said.
Cops pulled Patrick Brown, 33, over for a broken tail light at 3:44 a.m. near the intersection of Francis Lewis Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway and found he had been drinking, the NYPD said.
He had an alcohol level of .105 percent in his blood when he blew into a Breathalyzer, according to the NYPD, which is above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Brown had not been charged before with a DWI, police said.
Cops pulled Patrick Brown, 33, over for a broken tail light at 3:44 a.m. near the intersection of Francis Lewis Boulevard and Grand Central Parkway and found he had been drinking, the NYPD said.
He had an alcohol level of .105 percent in his blood when he blew into a Breathalyzer, according to the NYPD, which is above the legal limit of 0.08 percent.
Brown had not been charged before with a DWI, police said.
Tuesday, March 04, 2014
More Charges Filed Against Officer Dana Bond
A suspended Detroit Police officer has been charged with multiple misdemeanors in connection to an alcohol-related car crash that occurred Sunday.
Officer Dana Bond, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, is accused of driving while intoxicated when she crashed her car into another vehicle at 1:05 p.m. Sunday, injuring a 19-year-old male driver and his 16-year-old female passenger.
After striking the car, officials say, the 41-year-old allegedly attempted to flee the scene, ran into a snow bank and was arrested.
The injured victims were transported to a local hospital and were listed in stable condition, according to officials.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy’s office Tuesday announced Bond is charged with High Blood Alcohol Content (180-day misdemeanor), Failure to Stop at the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident (one-year misdemeanor) and Failure to Stop at the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage (90-day Misdemeanor).
Bond was previously suspended in connection to misdemeanor charges of retail fraud on Aug. 19 and Aug. 28. Bond allegedly stole item(s), including wine, from two separate stores. She is scheduled to have jury trials on both cases 9 a.m. April 15 before Judge Ronald Giles In 36th District Court.
The Detroit Police report that the defendant was arraigned this morning on the new charges. Bond was set at $10,000.
Officer Dana Bond, according to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office, is accused of driving while intoxicated when she crashed her car into another vehicle at 1:05 p.m. Sunday, injuring a 19-year-old male driver and his 16-year-old female passenger.
After striking the car, officials say, the 41-year-old allegedly attempted to flee the scene, ran into a snow bank and was arrested.
The injured victims were transported to a local hospital and were listed in stable condition, according to officials.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy’s office Tuesday announced Bond is charged with High Blood Alcohol Content (180-day misdemeanor), Failure to Stop at the Scene of a Personal Injury Accident (one-year misdemeanor) and Failure to Stop at the Scene of an Accident with Property Damage (90-day Misdemeanor).
Bond was previously suspended in connection to misdemeanor charges of retail fraud on Aug. 19 and Aug. 28. Bond allegedly stole item(s), including wine, from two separate stores. She is scheduled to have jury trials on both cases 9 a.m. April 15 before Judge Ronald Giles In 36th District Court.
The Detroit Police report that the defendant was arraigned this morning on the new charges. Bond was set at $10,000.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Officer James Ferguson Arrested for DWI
Officer James Ferguson was reportedly arrested by San Marcos police on Wednesday night.
A spokesman for the Hays County Sheriff’s Office said Ferguson was released from jail Thursday on a $3,000 bond.
Ferguson has been with the San Antonio Police Department since 2007, according to state records.
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
Veteran Officer Kent Scott Arrested for DWI
Portland Police arrested one of their own, accused of intoxicated driving.
Police say Kent Scott was off-duty when he was pulled over at 9:50 p.m. Tuesday on Southeast 148th and Division Street. He was cited for driving while intoxicated and reckless driving. He was not booked in jail.
Scott is a 22-year veteran of Portland Police and was assigned to the transit police division. He has now been placed in an off-street assignment pending an internal review.
Police say Kent Scott was off-duty when he was pulled over at 9:50 p.m. Tuesday on Southeast 148th and Division Street. He was cited for driving while intoxicated and reckless driving. He was not booked in jail.
Scott is a 22-year veteran of Portland Police and was assigned to the transit police division. He has now been placed in an off-street assignment pending an internal review.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Officer John Freudenberg Charged with DWI
Police say an intoxicated Parsippany police officer ran his Chevrolet
Silverado off the road and wound up in a residential front yard
Saturday.
John R. Freudenberg, 30, of Randolph was charged with driving while intoxicated and reckless driving Saturday night, Randolph police said.
Randolph Sgt. Frank Mygas and Officers Jason Gould and Jason Del Turco responded to the crash, and found the car in the front yard of a Jennifern Avenue home, Randolph police said.
Del Turco spoke to Freudenberg, the driver, and was told he "ran off the road," Randolph police said.
Freudenberg also identified himself as a Parsippany officer, which Randolph police later confirmed, they say.
Randolph Detective Lt. Christopher Giuliani said that based on a draft report about the incident, he didn't have any indication Freudenberg tried to use his status as an officer to avoid a ticket or arrest.
Freudenberg was also off-duty, and was not in a police department vehicle, Giuliani said.
At the time of the crash, Del Turco detected the odor of alcohol on Freudenberg's breath, and had Freudenberg perform field sobriety tests, Randolph Police said. He was then arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
Giuliani said while Freudenberg did take a breath test, police are not releasing the results.
Freudenberg's passenger complained of pain, but didn't want to receive medical treatment at the scene, Randolph police said. Freudenberg didn't complain of any injuries, police said.
Parsippany and Randolph, both Morris County communities, share a small border but are mostly divided by sections of Denville and Morris Township.
John R. Freudenberg, 30, of Randolph was charged with driving while intoxicated and reckless driving Saturday night, Randolph police said.
Randolph Sgt. Frank Mygas and Officers Jason Gould and Jason Del Turco responded to the crash, and found the car in the front yard of a Jennifern Avenue home, Randolph police said.
Del Turco spoke to Freudenberg, the driver, and was told he "ran off the road," Randolph police said.
Freudenberg also identified himself as a Parsippany officer, which Randolph police later confirmed, they say.
Randolph Detective Lt. Christopher Giuliani said that based on a draft report about the incident, he didn't have any indication Freudenberg tried to use his status as an officer to avoid a ticket or arrest.
Freudenberg was also off-duty, and was not in a police department vehicle, Giuliani said.
At the time of the crash, Del Turco detected the odor of alcohol on Freudenberg's breath, and had Freudenberg perform field sobriety tests, Randolph Police said. He was then arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.
Giuliani said while Freudenberg did take a breath test, police are not releasing the results.
Freudenberg's passenger complained of pain, but didn't want to receive medical treatment at the scene, Randolph police said. Freudenberg didn't complain of any injuries, police said.
Parsippany and Randolph, both Morris County communities, share a small border but are mostly divided by sections of Denville and Morris Township.
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Officer Brian Blue Arrested for DWI
On June 26th, Officer Brian S. Blue was arrested after being involved in a minor crash while off duty. He was driving his personal vehicle.
Toxicology tests are pending to determine if Blue was drunk, or under the influence of another substance.
Officer Blue remains on restricted duty.
No one was hurt in the crash.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Officer Jason Davis Arrested for DWI
A Conway police officer is under arrest for DWI.
Police say they got a call to the Centerstone apartments about an accident. When they arrived, they saw a silver truck with significant damage to the front end. When an officer walked to the driver's side door, he immediately recognized Conway police officer Jason Davis, 32, and called his supervisor.
The officer says Davis was slumped over and had a cut to the bridge of his nose. The officer says he could smell alcohol coming from the truck. When the officer woke Davis up, Davis didn't know where he was and he didn't remember the accident. The officer says his speech was slurred and it was difficult to understand. His eyes were also bloodshot and watery and his eyelids were droopy.
The officer was taken to a local hospital to be checked out for further injuries and to have blood drawn.
He was then taken to the Faulkner County Detention Center.
Authorities say Davis was put on administrative leave for previous unrelated issues before the incident. However, we're told that as of 5:00 p.m., Davis has been terminated from the Conway Police Department due to those issues.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Colorado officer retires after alleged wild ride
A suburban Denver police officer allowed to represent his department at a South Dakota lawman's funeral has retired after authorities say he and a fellow officer took an alcohol-fueled ride through Wyoming on their way to the service.
In his letter of retirement, Officer Bradley B. Bickett apologized for his conduct.
"I offer my most sincere apologies to the Aurora Police Department, the citizens of Aurora, and all of law enforcement for this incident," he wrote, according to a police statement.
Bickett could not be reached for comment.
He and Gerald Kirby were accused of speeding past traffic with their emergency lights flashing and tossing trash from a window on their way to the South Dakota funeral of a fallen police officer.
Their squad car was pulled over Wednesday after authorities say a volunteer firefighter spotted the car driving erratically on a state highway outside Torrington, Wyo., about 50 miles northeast of Cheyenne. Bickett was charged with driving while impaired, careless driving and speeding, while Kirby was charged with littering.
Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates thanked Bickett for leaving the department.
"It is unfortunate that a 31-year career of service in law enforcement was destroyed by a single day of poor judgment. He made the honorable choice to retire," Oates said in his statement. "His apology will mean a great deal to his colleagues in the department and will help put this unfortunate event behind us."
Kirby remains on restricted duty pending a full internal affairs investigation.
Aurora police spokesman Bob Friel said Friday that Bickett and Kirby received permission to travel to Rapid City, S.D., to represent their department at a funeral for one of two officers killed in a shootout earlier this month. Bickett knew an officer in the South Dakota department, Friel said.
Goshen County Sheriff Donald J. Murphy said Bickett's blood-alcohol level tested at 0.08 percent, the level at which he said a driver is presumed to be under the influence. Another test determined later his level was 0.077 percent, Murphy said. A beer cooler was found in the back seat.
Bickett's speech was described as "slurred" in a booking report posted on the Goshen County Sheriff's Department website. He was released on his own recognizance early Thursday.
The funeral for the fallen officer, Nick Armstrong, 27, was held Thursday. The officers never made it to the funeral. Two Aurora police officers went to Wyoming to pick up Bickett and Kirby. They were immediately placed on desk duty pending an internal investigation.
Armstrong and Officer J. Ryan McCandless were killed in an Aug. 2 shootout that erupted while they were trying to question four men walking with an open alcohol container, Rapid City police spokeswoman Tarah Heupel said. A third officer, Tim Doyle, was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds.
In his letter of retirement, Officer Bradley B. Bickett apologized for his conduct.
"I offer my most sincere apologies to the Aurora Police Department, the citizens of Aurora, and all of law enforcement for this incident," he wrote, according to a police statement.
Bickett could not be reached for comment.
He and Gerald Kirby were accused of speeding past traffic with their emergency lights flashing and tossing trash from a window on their way to the South Dakota funeral of a fallen police officer.
Their squad car was pulled over Wednesday after authorities say a volunteer firefighter spotted the car driving erratically on a state highway outside Torrington, Wyo., about 50 miles northeast of Cheyenne. Bickett was charged with driving while impaired, careless driving and speeding, while Kirby was charged with littering.
Aurora Police Chief Daniel Oates thanked Bickett for leaving the department.
"It is unfortunate that a 31-year career of service in law enforcement was destroyed by a single day of poor judgment. He made the honorable choice to retire," Oates said in his statement. "His apology will mean a great deal to his colleagues in the department and will help put this unfortunate event behind us."
Kirby remains on restricted duty pending a full internal affairs investigation.
Aurora police spokesman Bob Friel said Friday that Bickett and Kirby received permission to travel to Rapid City, S.D., to represent their department at a funeral for one of two officers killed in a shootout earlier this month. Bickett knew an officer in the South Dakota department, Friel said.
Goshen County Sheriff Donald J. Murphy said Bickett's blood-alcohol level tested at 0.08 percent, the level at which he said a driver is presumed to be under the influence. Another test determined later his level was 0.077 percent, Murphy said. A beer cooler was found in the back seat.
Bickett's speech was described as "slurred" in a booking report posted on the Goshen County Sheriff's Department website. He was released on his own recognizance early Thursday.
The funeral for the fallen officer, Nick Armstrong, 27, was held Thursday. The officers never made it to the funeral. Two Aurora police officers went to Wyoming to pick up Bickett and Kirby. They were immediately placed on desk duty pending an internal investigation.
Armstrong and Officer J. Ryan McCandless were killed in an Aug. 2 shootout that erupted while they were trying to question four men walking with an open alcohol container, Rapid City police spokeswoman Tarah Heupel said. A third officer, Tim Doyle, was hospitalized with multiple gunshot wounds.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Officer Roniel Dilone Charged with Drunk Driving
Another NYPD officer has been charged with boozing behind the wheel after he smashed his car in the Bronx, badly injuring his passenger.
Officer Roniel Dilone, who was off-duty at the time, told an EMT at the scene that he had four beers before the crash early Sunday, according to court papers.
He refused to take a Breathalyzer test. His blood was drawn after cops got a warrant, and results are pending.
The 27-year-old cop, who has been on the force for four years, was driving in Throgs Neck when he smashed his Nissan Altima into a parked Subaru - sending it into a tree before his car jumped the curb, court papers said.
He was not badly injured, but his passenger, Allan Reyes, suffered a fractured leg and shoulder and badly bruised his ribs.
Dilone had "a flushed face and bloodshot, watery eyes," according to court papers.
"I was driving, then the next thing, I heard my passenger screaming that he thinks his leg is broken," Dilone told police at the scene.
Dilone was charged with vehicular assault and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The NYPD - which did not make the accident public, as normally happens when an officer faces a serious charge - suspended Dilone without pay.
Dilone, who is assigned to the 28th Precinct, was released without bail at his arraignment. He refused to open the door at his Parkchester home yesterday.
"I can't say anything," he said.
His lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.
The NYPD has been plagued by a recent rash of cops busted for drunken driving.
Two weeks ago, off-duty Officer Raphael Ospina plowed his Chrysler into a garbage truck in midtown, flipped over and smacked into Tiffany's, according to authorities. Ospina broke three ribs, and two friends in the car were also hurt.
In November, off-duty Detective Kevin Spellman was charged with running down and killing a Bronx grandmother after drinking at a nearby bar. And in September, Officer Andrew Kelly was charged in Brooklyn with killing a preacher's daughter while driving drunk.
Officer Roniel Dilone, who was off-duty at the time, told an EMT at the scene that he had four beers before the crash early Sunday, according to court papers.
He refused to take a Breathalyzer test. His blood was drawn after cops got a warrant, and results are pending.
The 27-year-old cop, who has been on the force for four years, was driving in Throgs Neck when he smashed his Nissan Altima into a parked Subaru - sending it into a tree before his car jumped the curb, court papers said.
He was not badly injured, but his passenger, Allan Reyes, suffered a fractured leg and shoulder and badly bruised his ribs.
Dilone had "a flushed face and bloodshot, watery eyes," according to court papers.
"I was driving, then the next thing, I heard my passenger screaming that he thinks his leg is broken," Dilone told police at the scene.
Dilone was charged with vehicular assault and operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.
The NYPD - which did not make the accident public, as normally happens when an officer faces a serious charge - suspended Dilone without pay.
Dilone, who is assigned to the 28th Precinct, was released without bail at his arraignment. He refused to open the door at his Parkchester home yesterday.
"I can't say anything," he said.
His lawyer did not respond to a request for comment.
The NYPD has been plagued by a recent rash of cops busted for drunken driving.
Two weeks ago, off-duty Officer Raphael Ospina plowed his Chrysler into a garbage truck in midtown, flipped over and smacked into Tiffany's, according to authorities. Ospina broke three ribs, and two friends in the car were also hurt.
In November, off-duty Detective Kevin Spellman was charged with running down and killing a Bronx grandmother after drinking at a nearby bar. And in September, Officer Andrew Kelly was charged in Brooklyn with killing a preacher's daughter while driving drunk.
Former Officer Martin Abreu Sentenced for Killing Pedestrian
An off-duty Jersey City police officer will spend up to a decade in prison for killing a pedestrian as she crossed a lower Manhattan street.
Martin Abreu, a Jersey City police officer since 2005, was sentenced Tuesday. He pleaded guilty on Dec. 16 to aggravated vehicular homicide.
Abreu's vehicle mowed down Marilyn Huang Feng a year ago as she walked near Battery Park City. The 26-year-old aspiring lawyer died at the scene, and her boyfriend was critically injured.
Authorities said Abreu was drunk, and according to witness accounts, he was driving more than double the speed limit.
Abreu will be eligible for parole in 3 1/2 years. His maximum sentence is 10 1/2 years.
Previous Post
Martin Abreu, a Jersey City police officer since 2005, was sentenced Tuesday. He pleaded guilty on Dec. 16 to aggravated vehicular homicide.
Abreu's vehicle mowed down Marilyn Huang Feng a year ago as she walked near Battery Park City. The 26-year-old aspiring lawyer died at the scene, and her boyfriend was critically injured.
Authorities said Abreu was drunk, and according to witness accounts, he was driving more than double the speed limit.
Abreu will be eligible for parole in 3 1/2 years. His maximum sentence is 10 1/2 years.
Previous Post
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Corrections Officer Mary Lyon Charged with DWI
A state correction officer from Little Falls was arrested Friday evening after authorities said she drove drunk.
Mary Lyon, 44, was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test, town of Frankfort police said.
Frankfort officers said they stopped Lyon at about 7 p.m. on state Route 5S after receiving a complaint from state Department of Environmental Conservation police.
Lyon did not cooperate with officers, police said.
Lyon works in Marcy where there are two state prisons. Police did not say whether Lyon is assigned to Marcy Correctional Facility or Mid-State Correctional Facility.
Judge James Wright ordered Lyon to be held at the Herkimer County jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond, police said.
She is scheduled to appear in town court Tuesday, March 16.
Mary Lyon, 44, was charged with driving while intoxicated and refusal to submit to a chemical test, town of Frankfort police said.
Frankfort officers said they stopped Lyon at about 7 p.m. on state Route 5S after receiving a complaint from state Department of Environmental Conservation police.
Lyon did not cooperate with officers, police said.
Lyon works in Marcy where there are two state prisons. Police did not say whether Lyon is assigned to Marcy Correctional Facility or Mid-State Correctional Facility.
Judge James Wright ordered Lyon to be held at the Herkimer County jail on $500 cash bail or $1,000 bond, police said.
She is scheduled to appear in town court Tuesday, March 16.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Chief Russ Leach Being Investigated for Hit and Run
Riverside Police Chief Russ Leach is being investigated after a hit-and-run crash in his city-issued car at 3 a.m. on Monday morning.
Leach, who was hired in 2000, has been placed on medical leave. The case has been handed over from Riverside Police to the California Highway Patrol to avoid conflicts.
According to the Press-Enterprise, CHP Inland Division Chief Jeff Talbott said that the CHP is probing separate allegations that Leach was driving while impaired and that responding Riverside police officers omitted that suspicion from their initial report.
"At this point, the physical evidence is gone," Talbott told the newspaper. "If there's any impairment, our investigation will be based solely on the interviews of witnesses, which will be Riverside police.
You can read more on this story, by visiting the
Press Enterprise Web Site
Leach, who was hired in 2000, has been placed on medical leave. The case has been handed over from Riverside Police to the California Highway Patrol to avoid conflicts.
According to the Press-Enterprise, CHP Inland Division Chief Jeff Talbott said that the CHP is probing separate allegations that Leach was driving while impaired and that responding Riverside police officers omitted that suspicion from their initial report.
"At this point, the physical evidence is gone," Talbott told the newspaper. "If there's any impairment, our investigation will be based solely on the interviews of witnesses, which will be Riverside police.
You can read more on this story, by visiting the
Press Enterprise Web Site
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Officer Joe Serrato Charged with Drunk Driving
Things went from bad to worse for an officer with the San Antonio Police Department on Sunday, Jan. 24. Joe Serrato, 36, of Mico, was arrested on FM 1283 in Lakehills, charged with misdemeanor driving while intoxicated.
According to Chief Deputy Richard Smith, a driver notified emergency dispatch about a possible intoxicated driver on Highway 173 from Hondo. The vehicle then turned east on Highway 16, apparently traveling at a high rate of speed. Complaints to emergency dispatch continued. On FM 1283, reports indicated that Serrato’s vehicle had crossed a yellow centerline several times.
Bandera County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputy Casey Young eventually stopped Serrato by Lakewood Park Estates on FM 1283.
When asked for his driver’s license, Serrato instead flashed a SAPD badge. Casey had to request the driver’s license several times before Serrato finally produced it, Smith said.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Glenn Scales, who assisted with the traffic stop, conducted a field sobriety test, which Serrato subsequently failed. Based on the failure, a strong smell of alcohol and obvious signs of intoxication, Casey arrested Serrato and transported him to the Bandera County Jail at approximately 8:30 pm.
While at the jail, Serrato refused an intoxilyzer test. According to Smith, it is standard operating procedure to offer an intoxilyzer test to motorists arrested on DWI charges.
In Texas, such refusal can lead to suspension of a driver’s license. It is against the law to operate a vehicle – or to even “attempt” to operate a vehicle – at or above .08 percent blood alcohol concentration.
BCSO Cpl. Mike Dickerson transported a passenger in Serrato’s vehicle to a convenience store in Lakehills. The passenger exhibited no signs of intoxication and was not arrested.
Serrato posted bond and was released from jail on Monday, Jan. 22. This was his first DWI arrest.
As a courtesy, Smith called the office of San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to inform him one of his officers had been arrested for DWI.
According to Chief Deputy Richard Smith, a driver notified emergency dispatch about a possible intoxicated driver on Highway 173 from Hondo. The vehicle then turned east on Highway 16, apparently traveling at a high rate of speed. Complaints to emergency dispatch continued. On FM 1283, reports indicated that Serrato’s vehicle had crossed a yellow centerline several times.
Bandera County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputy Casey Young eventually stopped Serrato by Lakewood Park Estates on FM 1283.
When asked for his driver’s license, Serrato instead flashed a SAPD badge. Casey had to request the driver’s license several times before Serrato finally produced it, Smith said.
Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Glenn Scales, who assisted with the traffic stop, conducted a field sobriety test, which Serrato subsequently failed. Based on the failure, a strong smell of alcohol and obvious signs of intoxication, Casey arrested Serrato and transported him to the Bandera County Jail at approximately 8:30 pm.
While at the jail, Serrato refused an intoxilyzer test. According to Smith, it is standard operating procedure to offer an intoxilyzer test to motorists arrested on DWI charges.
In Texas, such refusal can lead to suspension of a driver’s license. It is against the law to operate a vehicle – or to even “attempt” to operate a vehicle – at or above .08 percent blood alcohol concentration.
BCSO Cpl. Mike Dickerson transported a passenger in Serrato’s vehicle to a convenience store in Lakehills. The passenger exhibited no signs of intoxication and was not arrested.
Serrato posted bond and was released from jail on Monday, Jan. 22. This was his first DWI arrest.
As a courtesy, Smith called the office of San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to inform him one of his officers had been arrested for DWI.
Officer Alex Alvarez Avoids DWI Conviction After Arresting Officer Fails to Appear
An Hidalgo County judge killed a McAllen policeman’s criminal case after one of the defendant’s fellow officers failed to appear in court and testify against him, court records state.
Judge Jay Palacios of Hidalgo County Court-at-law No. 2 dealt a “fatal” blow to the prosecution’s case, Hidalgo County District Attorney Rene Guerra said, when he granted a motion to suppress evidence in Officer Alex Alvarez’s pending case on a charge of driving while intoxicated.
McAllen police arrested Alvarez on July 5, 2009, after they found him in his red Ford pickup truck at Chili’s, 521 E. Nolana. An anti-theft locking device was still attached to the steering wheel as he allegedly attempted to leave the restaurant while drunk. In the process, his truck collided with a parked car.
“The outcome of last night may determine his future,” McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said the day after Alvarez’s arrest.
But in criminal court, at least, it appears Alvarez may have avoided a DWI conviction. The arresting officer failed to appear for a court hearing where he was to explain why Alvarez had been arrested.
“Nobody showed up to testify,” said Alvarez’s attorney, Toribio “Terry” Palacios. “We got all the evidence suppressed. There’s not much I can comment on.”
Alvarez refused a breath test and would not submit to other sobriety tests at the police station, according to Monitor archives.
Restaurant employees told police Alvarez had been bothering four female customers and was told to return to his table. The restaurant manager suspected Alvarez was too drunk to drive and called a taxi to take him home. While waiting for the cab to arrive, the manager tried to stall Alvarez, who apparently stripped a pair of glasses from his head and threw them to the floor.
District Attorney Guerra said he learned Wednesday that the case was set for dismissal when a Monitor reporter contacted him about the matter. Guerra said he would ask Palacios to reconsider his decision to suppress the evidence in the case.
“Legally, I don’t know if he can reconsider it,” the district attorney said. “I don’t know until I try.”
But why the arresting officer missed the court date remains unclear.
Court records show the officer was served a subpoena Jan. 12 to appear in court for the scheduled hearing one week later.
Guerra said he learned the arresting officer had worked the graveyard shift the night before the hearing and missed the Jan. 19 court date.
McAllen’s Police Chief Rodriguez said he believed the officer was hospitalized. Rodriguez provided no further details.
Two officers from the McAllen police force’s internal affairs division were in the courtroom that day as part of their administrative investigation, Guerra said.
“They knew he had been subpoenaed and failed to show up,” the district attorney said.
Alvarez, meanwhile, remains on unpaid administrative leave — as he has since his arrest last summer, Rodriguez said.
No decision has been made about any consequences the 14-year police veteran could face, the chief said, but those could range from suspension to Alvarez’s firing. The arresting officer could face administrative consequences for failing to appear in court, as well.
“Now I need to figure out what will happen in this one,” Rodriguez said.
Judge Jay Palacios of Hidalgo County Court-at-law No. 2 dealt a “fatal” blow to the prosecution’s case, Hidalgo County District Attorney Rene Guerra said, when he granted a motion to suppress evidence in Officer Alex Alvarez’s pending case on a charge of driving while intoxicated.
McAllen police arrested Alvarez on July 5, 2009, after they found him in his red Ford pickup truck at Chili’s, 521 E. Nolana. An anti-theft locking device was still attached to the steering wheel as he allegedly attempted to leave the restaurant while drunk. In the process, his truck collided with a parked car.
“The outcome of last night may determine his future,” McAllen Police Chief Victor Rodriguez said the day after Alvarez’s arrest.
But in criminal court, at least, it appears Alvarez may have avoided a DWI conviction. The arresting officer failed to appear for a court hearing where he was to explain why Alvarez had been arrested.
“Nobody showed up to testify,” said Alvarez’s attorney, Toribio “Terry” Palacios. “We got all the evidence suppressed. There’s not much I can comment on.”
Alvarez refused a breath test and would not submit to other sobriety tests at the police station, according to Monitor archives.
Restaurant employees told police Alvarez had been bothering four female customers and was told to return to his table. The restaurant manager suspected Alvarez was too drunk to drive and called a taxi to take him home. While waiting for the cab to arrive, the manager tried to stall Alvarez, who apparently stripped a pair of glasses from his head and threw them to the floor.
District Attorney Guerra said he learned Wednesday that the case was set for dismissal when a Monitor reporter contacted him about the matter. Guerra said he would ask Palacios to reconsider his decision to suppress the evidence in the case.
“Legally, I don’t know if he can reconsider it,” the district attorney said. “I don’t know until I try.”
But why the arresting officer missed the court date remains unclear.
Court records show the officer was served a subpoena Jan. 12 to appear in court for the scheduled hearing one week later.
Guerra said he learned the arresting officer had worked the graveyard shift the night before the hearing and missed the Jan. 19 court date.
McAllen’s Police Chief Rodriguez said he believed the officer was hospitalized. Rodriguez provided no further details.
Two officers from the McAllen police force’s internal affairs division were in the courtroom that day as part of their administrative investigation, Guerra said.
“They knew he had been subpoenaed and failed to show up,” the district attorney said.
Alvarez, meanwhile, remains on unpaid administrative leave — as he has since his arrest last summer, Rodriguez said.
No decision has been made about any consequences the 14-year police veteran could face, the chief said, but those could range from suspension to Alvarez’s firing. The arresting officer could face administrative consequences for failing to appear in court, as well.
“Now I need to figure out what will happen in this one,” Rodriguez said.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Deputy Javier Hinojosa Arrested for DWI for the Third Time
Police arrested a senior deputy constable Saturday after he allegedly lost control of his pickup truck and collided with a car driven by an elderly couple.
It was his third DWI arrest in three years.
Alamo police arrested Javier Hinojosa on driving while intoxicated and intoxication assault charges Saturday evening after he allegedly lost control of his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and collided nearly head-on with the elderly couple’s car.
Saturday’s DWI arrest is the second in about four months for Hinojosa — he has an August 2009 DWI case pending in Hidalgo County Court-at-Law No. 5.
Precinct 2 Constable Gilbert “Chato” Alaniz said he suspended Hinojosa for one week without pay after the DWI arrest last year.
Hired in June 2005, Hinojosa serves as senior deputy constable for Alaniz, who said he has been unable to talk with Hinojosa. The constable said he would conduct his own investigation into the matter to determine Hinojosa's job status.
“Something is going to be done, believe me,” Alaniz said. “Something is definitely going to be done.”
In his latest arrest, Hinojosa, 45, was driving on the 300 block of East Business 83 in Alamo about 6:50 p.m. Saturday when he allegedly lost control of his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, veered into the oncoming lanes of traffic and collided with a passenger car driven by an elderly couple, said Alamo Police Chief Arturo Espinoza.
“It looks like he went into the oncoming traffic and they collided almost head-on,” the chief said.
Hinojosa’s 12-year-old son was riding in the pickup truck with him at the time. The boy was transported to an area hospital for observation along with the elderly couple, Espinoza said. The couple, both who are in their 70s, remained hospitalized in serious condition Monday.
Hinojosa, of Edinburg, refused to provide a field sobriety test, Espinoza said.
Oddly, Hinojosa was taken to three different hospitals — Edinburg Regional, McAllen Medical Center and Rio Grande Regional Hospital — and no blood was drawn because he refused to provide submit to a blood test, Espinoza said.
State law requires anyone arrested for driving while intoxicated who is involved in an accident that causes “serious bodily injury” or death to provide a blood specimen.
Hidalgo County District Attorney Rene Guerra said he has never encountered a situation where a person arrested on intoxication assault or manslaughter charges did not provide a blood sample — and the hospital complies with a suspect’s request.
“No one has ever had an issue,” Guerra said.
Police did not try to obtain a search warrant, which would have forced Hinojosa to submit to the blood test because it was the weekend, and whatever alcohol or drugs he may have consumed had left his system, the chief said.
“We didn’t go that route as to try and get a warrant on him,” Espinoza said. “We’re going with a refusal” to submit to a blood or breath sample.
Hospital officials could not be reached for comment after business hours Monday.
Hinojosa was formally charged with intoxication assault and driving while intoxicated with a child passenger during an arraignment Sunday in Alamo Municipal Court. Bond was set at $150,000.
“It’s troubling to us when those entrusted with upholding the law don’t,” said Ana Verley, a local victims’ advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. “It’s sad and disappointing that these things happen and innocent people keep getting hurt.”
Records detailing Hinojosa’s career before he was hired by the Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Constable Office were unavailable Monday.
An open records request with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education, which maintains peace officers’ career histories, was not immediately returned Monday afternoon.
Hinojosa was also arrested in January 2006 on DWI charges that were dismissed by Hidalgo County Court-at-Law No. 5 later that year, court records state. Alaniz said he did not suspend Hinojosa at that time because he was not convicted.
Hinojosa had a DWI arrest dismissed from Hidalgo County Court-at-Law No. 2 in September 2003. He also had assault charges dropped in Hidalgo County Court-at-Law No. 1 in March 2002.
Hinojosa remained at the Hidalgo County Jail on Monday. Intoxication assault is a third degree felony that has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine upon conviction. Driving while intoxicated with a child passenger is a state jail felony that has a maximum sentence of two years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine.
Hinojosa is not Alaniz’s only deputy to have been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
In October 2007, Hidalgo County Precinct 2 chief deputy constable Sergio Hinojosa — Javier’s younger brother — was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated in San Juan. That case was dropped in Hidalgo County Court-at-Law No. 1 in May 2008 due to insufficient evidence. Alaniz said he fired Sergio Hinojosa after his DWI arrest.
With the latest DWI arrest, Alaniz would not say whether he intends to dismiss Hinojosa. Regardless, the constable said he plans on another suspension for his senior deputy.
“What can I say? We all do mistakes that we regret later on in life,” Alaniz said. “It’s sad, but what can we do about it?
“What’s done is done, my friend.”
It was his third DWI arrest in three years.
Alamo police arrested Javier Hinojosa on driving while intoxicated and intoxication assault charges Saturday evening after he allegedly lost control of his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck and collided nearly head-on with the elderly couple’s car.
Saturday’s DWI arrest is the second in about four months for Hinojosa — he has an August 2009 DWI case pending in Hidalgo County Court-at-Law No. 5.
Precinct 2 Constable Gilbert “Chato” Alaniz said he suspended Hinojosa for one week without pay after the DWI arrest last year.
Hired in June 2005, Hinojosa serves as senior deputy constable for Alaniz, who said he has been unable to talk with Hinojosa. The constable said he would conduct his own investigation into the matter to determine Hinojosa's job status.
“Something is going to be done, believe me,” Alaniz said. “Something is definitely going to be done.”
In his latest arrest, Hinojosa, 45, was driving on the 300 block of East Business 83 in Alamo about 6:50 p.m. Saturday when he allegedly lost control of his Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck, veered into the oncoming lanes of traffic and collided with a passenger car driven by an elderly couple, said Alamo Police Chief Arturo Espinoza.
“It looks like he went into the oncoming traffic and they collided almost head-on,” the chief said.
Hinojosa’s 12-year-old son was riding in the pickup truck with him at the time. The boy was transported to an area hospital for observation along with the elderly couple, Espinoza said. The couple, both who are in their 70s, remained hospitalized in serious condition Monday.
Hinojosa, of Edinburg, refused to provide a field sobriety test, Espinoza said.
Oddly, Hinojosa was taken to three different hospitals — Edinburg Regional, McAllen Medical Center and Rio Grande Regional Hospital — and no blood was drawn because he refused to provide submit to a blood test, Espinoza said.
State law requires anyone arrested for driving while intoxicated who is involved in an accident that causes “serious bodily injury” or death to provide a blood specimen.
Hidalgo County District Attorney Rene Guerra said he has never encountered a situation where a person arrested on intoxication assault or manslaughter charges did not provide a blood sample — and the hospital complies with a suspect’s request.
“No one has ever had an issue,” Guerra said.
Police did not try to obtain a search warrant, which would have forced Hinojosa to submit to the blood test because it was the weekend, and whatever alcohol or drugs he may have consumed had left his system, the chief said.
“We didn’t go that route as to try and get a warrant on him,” Espinoza said. “We’re going with a refusal” to submit to a blood or breath sample.
Hospital officials could not be reached for comment after business hours Monday.
Hinojosa was formally charged with intoxication assault and driving while intoxicated with a child passenger during an arraignment Sunday in Alamo Municipal Court. Bond was set at $150,000.
“It’s troubling to us when those entrusted with upholding the law don’t,” said Ana Verley, a local victims’ advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Drivers. “It’s sad and disappointing that these things happen and innocent people keep getting hurt.”
Records detailing Hinojosa’s career before he was hired by the Hidalgo County Precinct 2 Constable Office were unavailable Monday.
An open records request with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Education, which maintains peace officers’ career histories, was not immediately returned Monday afternoon.
Hinojosa was also arrested in January 2006 on DWI charges that were dismissed by Hidalgo County Court-at-Law No. 5 later that year, court records state. Alaniz said he did not suspend Hinojosa at that time because he was not convicted.
Hinojosa had a DWI arrest dismissed from Hidalgo County Court-at-Law No. 2 in September 2003. He also had assault charges dropped in Hidalgo County Court-at-Law No. 1 in March 2002.
Hinojosa remained at the Hidalgo County Jail on Monday. Intoxication assault is a third degree felony that has a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine upon conviction. Driving while intoxicated with a child passenger is a state jail felony that has a maximum sentence of two years in jail and up to a $10,000 fine.
Hinojosa is not Alaniz’s only deputy to have been arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
In October 2007, Hidalgo County Precinct 2 chief deputy constable Sergio Hinojosa — Javier’s younger brother — was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated in San Juan. That case was dropped in Hidalgo County Court-at-Law No. 1 in May 2008 due to insufficient evidence. Alaniz said he fired Sergio Hinojosa after his DWI arrest.
With the latest DWI arrest, Alaniz would not say whether he intends to dismiss Hinojosa. Regardless, the constable said he plans on another suspension for his senior deputy.
“What can I say? We all do mistakes that we regret later on in life,” Alaniz said. “It’s sad, but what can we do about it?
“What’s done is done, my friend.”
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Officer Bryan Platz Arrested for Drunk Driving
A police officer in Coon Rapids, MN, was suspended from his job following a suspected DWI arrest when he was off-duty.
The officer, 35-year-old Bryan Platz, was arrested after rear-ending another car around 10PM Friday night. There were no serious injuries in the accident. When local police noted another officer was involved, they asked the state patrol to handle the situation.
Upon arriving at the scene, state patrol officers believed alcohol may have been a factor in the fender-bender. Officer Platz agreed to provide a blood sample. Those results may take weeks to process, but he has been suspended from duty regardless.
In most cases involving public officials, the department will conduct an internal investigation to consider multiple factors. Those factors include the officer's history of disciplinary problems, whether the officer was in a patrol vehicle or on duty, and if the officer broke department policies in the accident.
Platz has been an officer with the Coon Rapids police force for nearly 7 years. He will be paid during his leave time. No internal investigation was pursued to determine if the officer should be suspended; the action seemed to occur very quickly.
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The officer, 35-year-old Bryan Platz, was arrested after rear-ending another car around 10PM Friday night. There were no serious injuries in the accident. When local police noted another officer was involved, they asked the state patrol to handle the situation.
Upon arriving at the scene, state patrol officers believed alcohol may have been a factor in the fender-bender. Officer Platz agreed to provide a blood sample. Those results may take weeks to process, but he has been suspended from duty regardless.
In most cases involving public officials, the department will conduct an internal investigation to consider multiple factors. Those factors include the officer's history of disciplinary problems, whether the officer was in a patrol vehicle or on duty, and if the officer broke department policies in the accident.
Platz has been an officer with the Coon Rapids police force for nearly 7 years. He will be paid during his leave time. No internal investigation was pursued to determine if the officer should be suspended; the action seemed to occur very quickly.
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More Information
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