When a police officer is accused of breaking the law, the news travels quickly within his or her community. Americans place a great deal of trust in those who pledge to serve and protect the population, and accusations against them can undermine that trust on a deep level. For the officer who stands accused, there is much to lose. One South Carolina policeman is currently going through this ordeal, after he was recently arrested for DUI.
The 28-year-old officer worked for the Rock Hill Police Department for three years before a recent incident led to his arrest. While off duty, he was allegedly pursued by police as he sped down Main Street in Fort Mill. He was driving an unmarked silver sedan at the time of the incident, although it is unclear whether that vehicle belonged to the police department or was a personal vehicle.
Police assert that the officer swerved across the center line of the road, and then crossed the fog line. When pulled over, officers allege that there was a strong smell of alcohol in the vehicle. The officer could not produce a driver's license when asked, and refused to submit to a breath test to determine his blood alcohol level.
As this case heads to court, additional details may be released concerning the actions of this officer on the night of his arrest. As of the time of this report, he has been fired from the Rock Hill Police Department. That decision was made based on the belief that he has violated the department's rules of conduct, personnel resolutions and the laws of South Carolina. There is no mention of whether he could regain his position on the police force if he is able to successfully defend against these accusations in court. This case serves as a reminder of the serious ramifications of being arrested for DUI, and the need to mount an aggressive criminal defense.
Source: GantDaily.com, "South Carolina cop arrested, fired after getting DUI," Raquel Erhard, Nov. 20, 2012
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