Officer Daniel Cruz Arrested for Aggravated DUI

A Rockford police officer was arrested Monday night on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and leaving the scene of a two-vehicle accident that left a woman critically injured, Boone County Sheriff’s officials said today.

Daniel A. Cruz, 37, of Machesney Park was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a personal-injury accident, aggravated DUI, aggravated reckless driving, improper passing, driving in the wrong lane and operating a vehicle without proof of insurance.

The name and age of the critically injured woman and the names and conditions of three others in the same vehicle were not immediately available.

Cruz, a 13-year veteran of the department, reportedly was off-duty when the accident happened.

Witnesses said he was traveling south on Beloit Road in a gray 2010 Dodge Caravan when he entered the intersection of Town Hall Road, which is uphill, on a curve and in a no-passing zone. Cruz’s van struck a northbound vehicle, believed to be an Oldsmobile, containing four people.

According to the complaint filed in Boone County Court, Cruz left the scene of the accident by walking away. He was found a half mile from the scene, still walking.

According to the probable cause statement, Cruz admitted to consuming alcohol.

The officer described Cruz as having a “strong odor of alcoholic beverage on his breath, bloodshot-glassy eyes, unsteady on his feet and using the squad car for balance.”

Boone County State’s Attorney Michelle Courier said Cruz refused all chemical testing. A court order was eventually obtained. However, it was unknown how much time passed before the blood draw was made.

Cruz’s blood-alcohol content was not available.


Rockford police Chief Chet Epperson could not be reached today for comment.

Deputy Louis Hamm Arrested for DUI

HERNANDO, MS

A DeSoto County sheriff's deputy is out on bond after he was arrested over the weekend for refusing to take a DUI test.

Early Sunday morning in Walls, the off-duty deputy was involved in an accident that left a woman injured.

"A female was going southbound and our deputy was turning off of 61 onto Delta View," DeSoto County Sheriff Bill Rasco said. "He made a turn in front of her and she hit him on the passengers side."

Rasco said Louis Jerome Hamm was arrested and charged with DUI refusal and having no tag or proof of insurance. An internal investigation is underway.

"We'll be through with the investigation by this time next week," Rasco said. "He has been relieved from duty without pay."

Rasco said the woman driving the other car was heading to work at one of the casinos when the accident occurred. She has a broken leg.

Highway 61 is a very busy stretch of road. which keeps officers busy.

"With the casinos just to the south of us, you know, people go down there, spend their money, gamble, and get free alcohol," he said.

Hamm is the second DeSoto County deputy arrested on DUI-related charges since Rasco took office in January. The other deputy was fired. Rasco said such behavior will not be tolerated.

"I don't drink. I don't put up with drinking and driving," he said. "If they're going to drink and drive - and get caught - they wouldn't have a job."

Rasco said the victim is still recovering at The MED. She has undergone two operations on her leg so far, and might have to have one more.