Off-Duty Philly Traffic Officer Arrested for DUI in Three-Car Crash

Pennsylvania DUI Lawyer Weighs In

An off-duty traffic officer was recently arrested for DUI and a host of other charges stemming from a three-car accident that sent two children to the hospital, according to NBC 10 Philadelphia. The 23-year veteran traffic officer reportedly rear-ended another vehicle that was stopped at a traffic light at 49th Street and Woodland Avenue in southwest Philadelphia during the late evening hours. The force of the collision caused the stopped vehicle to rear-end the vehicle in front of it, as well. Following the crash, the officer reportedly flashed his badge to the accident victims, identified himself as a police officer, and ordered the victims to pull over.

The driver of the vehicle that was hit by the officer told the media that the officer smelled of alcohol at the time of the accident. His two grandchildren were in the vehicle with him at the time of the crash, and were sent to a local children’s hospital to be checked out.

The 52-year-old traffic officer was later arrested for DUI, criminal mischief, intimidation, harassment, making terroristic threats, simple assault, and reckless endangerment. He was released from jail after posting 10% of his $25,000 bond. The officer also was placed on administrative leave following his arrest, pending internal and criminal investigations.

This case goes to show that even a police officer can make mistakes resulting in the potentially severe repercussions of DUI charges. Aside from his DUI charge, this police officer is facing various other criminal charges related to the same incident, which can result in even more serious consequences in the event of a conviction.

By consulting with a Pennsylvania DUI attorney, the officer accused of DUI in this case can begin to build the strongest defense possible based on the evidence. While it is unclear in this case whether any sort of field sobriety tests or blood alcohol content tests were performed at the time of the accident, these are the sort of facts that a Pennsylvania DUI lawyer must know in order to put together an effective defense on behalf of a client.

No matter what your situation may be, you have the right to build a strong defense in a DUI case. Contact The Law Offices of Steven E. Kellis today, and explore all of the options that may be available to you.