Posted by the Charleston, SC DUI Lawyers at Anderson & Schuster, Attorneys at Law, LLC. Our Charleston DUI Defense Attorneys help drivers charged with DUI, DUAC and other traffic violations in Charleston, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Summerville and across the South Carolina lowcountry.
A Columbia, SC Police officer was arrested and charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after the officer wrecked his patrol car while on duty last Friday. Harold Caldwell was suspended without pay and is expected to be fired next week because of the DUI charge, according to a press release from the police department.
Caldwell was responding to a domestic disturbance call at 9 a.m. on Fort Jackson Boulevard, the CPD report said. As he was turning into the Hampton Hill condominiums, he struck a sign and then a wooden and brick fence with his patrol car.
He was not injured but was taken to a hospital where drug and alcohol tests were administered. A private company performed the test, which is protocol for any city employee involved in a car accident while performing city business. The tests determined that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the wreck, the police department reported.
Caldwell was arrested and booked Friday in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on the charge of DUI.
Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott issued a statement saying, “When a law enforcement officer breaks the law, it is extremely disappointing. We are held to a much higher standard in the eyes of our community. I expect more from City of Columbia officers every day. Bad behavior combined with irresponsible decision making will not be tolerated at CPD. If you break the law, you have to suffer the consequences. We talk to the public about the dangers of drinking and driving (DUI). If we as police officers cannot set the positive example for others to follow, then we have failed completely."
Charleston, SC DUI Attorneys
The Charleston DUI Defense Attorneys at Anderson & Schuster, Attorneys at Law, LLC help drivers arrested for DUI and DUAC in Charleston, North Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, Goose Creek, Hanahan, Moncks Corner, Ladson, James Island, West Ashley, Folly Beach, Sullivans Island, Isle of Palms, Awendaw, McClellanville and the surrounding areas.
Source: The State, Columbia Police Department Officer Suspended After DUI Arrest
