Norwalk Police Officer Arrested In North Carolina Placed On Administrative Restricted Duty​: PD

NORWALK, CT — A Norwalk police officer who was arrested over the weekend in North Carolina has been placed on administrative restricted duty, according to the Norwalk Police Department.

In a statement sent to Patch, Police Chief James Walsh said he was informed Sunday that Officer Mark Suda was arrested on DUI-related charges in Hanover County, N.C.

Walsh noted Suda's "alleged conduct is serious and does not reflect the standards, values or expectations of the Norwalk Police Department."

According to Walsh, Suda has been placed on administrative restricted duty pending the outcome of the criminal case and the department's internal investigation and disciplinary process.

"This matter does not reflect on the dedicated and professional work done everyday by the men and women of the Norwalk Police Department in service to our residents," Walsh said in a statement. "As chief of police, I want to be clear that no one in this department is above the law. We hold our officers to the highest ethical and professional standards. When those standards are violated, we take swift and appropriate action."

He also noted the department remains "committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining the trust" of the Norwalk community.

Walsh said no further details will be released at this time "due to the ongoing nature of the case."

The Norwalk Hour reports Suda, 52, of Norwalk, was arrested Sunday by the Kure Beach Police Department and charged with driving while impaired, failing to maintain lane control and driving to the left of a highway’s center line.