Port Huron police officer accused of driving drunk off-duty charged

A Port Huron police officer has been charged for allegedly driving drunk while off-duty, officials announced Thursday.

Assistant Port Huron Police Chief Brian Kerrigan said in a statement the department was made aware of the allegations against the officer last Friday.

"Our command staff investigated the incident and the officer was arrested at the conclusion of the investigation," his statement said. "The officer was lodged at the St. Clair County Intervention Center until they were sober. They were then released pending a case review by the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office."

Kerrigan said the St. Clair County Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday authorized criminal charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated against the officer.

Other details were not released.

Port Huron Police Chief Joseph Platzer said in the same statement that the department holds its officers to a high standard on and off duty.

"When these actions fall short of meeting these expectations, we will continue to hold ourselves accountable," Platzer said. "As a result, the officer has been placed on administrative leave while a thorough internal investigation is completed."

cramirez@detroitnews.com

@CharlesERamirez