A detective with the Newport News Special Victims unit has been placed on administrative leave after he was allegedly involved in a James City car accident Saturday night. The James City County Police accuse the 28-year-old detective of drunk driving in the accident. Authorities claim that the accused was uncooperative during the investigation. Police also claim that the detective refused to submit a blood sample or take a breath test during the DUI investigation.
Police say that the detective was in a car accident at the intersection between Longhill Road and Route 199 around 11:45 Saturday night. Police say that the detective was driving a Jeep and was following too closely behind a Ford Explorer. The driver of the Explorer reportedly was using his brakes when police say that the detective rear-ended the Ford with his Jeep.
The driver of the Ford reportedly suffered minor injuries in the accident.
The Newport News detective was arrested on suspicion of DUI, test refusal and following too closely. He reportedly is free on bond.
The recent arrest is the second involving a Newport News detective in the past two months. A 58-year-old detective was arrested in September on suspicion of brandishing a firearm during an alleged road rage incident. The detective accused in the alleged road rage incident was also placed on leave pending an internal investigation.
Last week, this blog discussed DUI charges that have been filed against a Portsmouth officer. While the media often focuses on charges when a public official is accused with a crime, it is important to note that these types of allegations highlight that people from all walks of life can have a brush with the law. Allegations in the media, as well as in criminal court, remain allegations and prosecutors hold the burden of proof. A person charged with a crime has the right to defend against the charges.
Sources:
- WAVY 10 On Your Side News, "NN detective charged with DUI," Lauren Compton, Updated Nov. 12, 2012
- The Virginian-Pilot, "Newport News police officer charged with DUI," Mike Connors, Nov. 12, 2012
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