MANSFIELD, Ohio — A Mansfield police officer is facing an administrative investigation and criminal charges after allegedly reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol and later being arrested on suspicion of impaired driving.
Mansfield Police Chief Jason Bammann said Officer John Meyer arrived for work at approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29.
According to the department, Meyer was determined to be under the influence of alcohol. He was immediately removed from duty and taken to OhioHealth for drug and alcohol testing.
Meyer was then placed on administrative leave while the department began procedures required under city policies and its collective bargaining agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police.
At approximately 9 p.m. that same day, Mansfield police were notified that officers in Ontario had stopped Meyer and accused him of operating a vehicle while impaired.
Meyer was taken to the Richland County Jail on charges of operating a vehicle under the influence, having an open container, failing to remain within marked lanes and making an improper lane change.
Meyer has worked for the Mansfield Police Division since January 2014.
The department said it could not release additional information while the internal investigation and criminal proceedings remain pending. The charges are allegations, and Meyer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
