Chicago Cop Charged With DUI In Northfield

NORTHFIELD, IL — A Chicago police officer has been placed on desk duty after he was arrested by Northfield police and charged with drunk driving earlier this month. Sean P. Lynch, 30, of Chicago, was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal transportation of alcohol and excessive speeding after he was pulled over May 12, police said.

Shortly after 3 a.m., Northfield police reported spotting Lynch speeding northbound on I-94 at Winnetka Road, with radar displaying that he was driving 92 mph in a 55 mph zone. When the officer attempted to stop Lynch's Ford pickup truck, the Chicago cop took an exit ramp but was driving too fast and fish-tailed, causing him to lose control, according to a Northfield police report.

The Northfield officer caught up to Lynch on the Willow Road overpass and informed him he had been speeding, the report said. The officer noted Lynch was mumbling, slurring his words, smelled strongly of alcohol and had an open can of Miller Light in the center console and an additional unopened can of Miller under the driver's seat, according to the report.

Northfield police said Lynch failed a field sobriety test and proceeded to refuse to provide a breath sample, an interview or any further tests. His off-duty weapon was turned over to a Chicago officer.

The Chicago Police Department said it was informed of the incident when it occurred. Lynch was relieved of his police powers and put on administrative duty pending an internal affairs investigation and review of the criminal case.

"Allegations of driving under the influence are taken very seriously by the Chicago Police Department," said CPD spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi.

Lynch is scheduled to appear in court in Skokie June 16.

Top photo Sean P. Lynch | Northfield PD