Seattle Police sergeant arrested for DUI

A 22-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department was arrested early Saturday morning for driving under the influence, the department said Monday.

The sergeant, who is assigned to the Special Operations Bureau, was driving an unmarked patrol car when he was stopped by a fellow officer near Western Avenue and Spring Street. The officer had observed him “commit a series of traffic violations.”

“Upon contact officers recognized the driver of the suspect vehicle as a Seattle Police sergeant,” SPD wrote in a statement. “The officers suspected the sergeant was under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and called SPD supervisors to the scene. Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers were subsequently called to the scene to assume control over the investigation.”

State Patrol Trooper Julie Startup said the officer had fresh damage to his vehicle, and may have committed a hit and run. He did not submit to a breathalyzer at the scene, and was taken to Harborview Medical Center for a blood test. He was later released into the custody of a Seattle police captain.

According to SPD, the officer was not on duty at the time of his arrest. He will receive a transfer pending the ongoing investigation. A complaint has been filed with the Office of Professional Accountability.