To view this video, you need to download the latest version Flash Player.
OGDEN -- In the last two months, two members of the Ogden Police Department have been investigated for drunk driving. Both cases happened in Harrisville, just north of Ogden; one involved a single-car crash.
One of the men, a detective, has been cited and will be arraigned in court. Charges against the other man, an officer, are expected to be filed as early as Wednesday.
The first incident happened less than two months ago. Harrisville police say an Ogden police officer slammed into a power pole near Washington Boulevard and 1500 North and injured himself. Blood tests done at the hospital recently came back.
"At the time of the wreck, his blood-alcohol was at or slightly above the legal limit, and additive to that was the prescription drug he was taking," said Harrisville police Chief Max Jackson.
The second case happened just last Saturday: a Harrisville police officer noticed a car weaving on Highway 89 and pulled over the driver for a field sobriety test and Breathalyzer.
"[He] ascertained that the driver had been drinking. My officer recognized him as a detective with the Ogden Police Department," Jackson said.
Neither officer was on duty, nor were they driving patrol cars. In the most recent case, the detective has been suspended. Information was not immediately available on the employment status of the officer.
The investigations come the same year as the high-profile case of Ken Hammond--an Ogden police officer who pleaded no contest to sexual battery and resigned from the force.
Ogden's mayor hopes the public is understanding as they hear of these two new cases.
"Our guys do a great job, but they're human and they make mistakes. And when they do, we hold them accountable, and they hold themselves accountable," said Ogden Mayor Matthew Godfrey.
If convicted, both officers would not only face criminal penalties but their jobs would be in jeopardy, as well. The Utah Department of Public Safety says law enforcement certifications are generally suspended in DUI cases.
E-mail: sdallof@ksl.com
News |
Weather
Traffic |
TV
Sports
Opinion |
Radio |
Classifieds
Announcements
Events
Movies |
Advertise with KSL
Other Resources
Wireless
Legal
Sister Sites
|