Off-duty Wisconsin sheriff's deputy arrested for alleged DUI
NEW RICHMOND, Wis. (FOX 9) - An off-duty St. Croix County sheriff’s deputy was arrested for alleged drunk driving Sunday outside New Richmond, Wisconsin.
At 11 p.m. Sunday, a St. Croix County deputy was driving north on County Highway A near Richmond Way when he saw another vehicle coming towards him, driving south in the northbound lane. The vehicle was traveling at a high rate of speed.
The deputy moved to the shoulder to avoid being hit then turned and caught up to the vehicle, stopping it near the intersection with County Highway G.
The driver, a seven-year veteran of the St. Croix County Sheriff’s Office who was off-duty at the time, appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.
The Wisconsin State Patrol investigated the incident to avoid any conflict of interest. The deputy was booked into the St. Croix County for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, his first offense.
“I am angered, embarrassed and disappointed at the actions of [the deputy],” Sheriff Scott L. Knudson said in a statement.
The sheriff’s office placed the deputy on paid administrative leave, as is standard procedure, while they conduct an internal investigation into the incident.
“I’m aware of the response this incident on Sunday night will have from the community,” Knudson said. “We must remember that those in law enforcement are human. However, it is imperative that these same individuals be held to a higher standard of conduct, and when mistakes are made, they are handled accordingly.”