Detroit Cops Arrest Their Commander On Suspected DUI Charges

DETROIT, MI — A police commander regarded as a “rising star” in the Detroit Police Department was arrested by officers in his own precinct Saturday on suspicion of drunken driving after a crash in a department-issued vehicle, the city’s police chief said. Commander Johnny Thomas, a 20-year veteran of the department, had a high enough blood-alcohol level that he is expected to be charged under Michigan’s “super drunk” law, according to reports.

A "super drunk" driving under the influence charge would be a misdemeanor, but the Wayne County prosecutor could file enhance the charges, Police Chief James Craig said in a news conference Monday. In the meantime, Thomas has been placed on restricted duty and isn't performing any of the responsibilities of a police commander, Craig said.

Thomas’ blood-alcohol level was .18, more than twice the legal limit, at the scene of the accident, police said, qualifying him for charges under the state’s “super drunk” law. A second test fell within a point of the preliminary test, which would still fall under the “super drunk” category, Craig said.

Craig called the matter “very disappointing” and said the police department's Professional Standards, or internal affairs, section is conducting an investigation.

Police said Thomas slammed into a vehicle stopped at a red light at Mack Avenue and St. Antoine around 1:30 a.m. Saturday. Three vehicles were involved in the crash, and one person was treated for minor injuries and released from Detroit Receiving Hospital,.

Thomas was arrested by officers he commanded in the city’s Third Precinct.

“It's troubling when any member of this department breaks the law, but I say this is not reflective of most of the officers in this department,” Craig said. “The officers (who arrested Thomas) did the right thing, immediately calling a supervisor. It takes a lot of courage ... to arrest the commander of your own precinct.

“Certainly it was an uncomfortable position for them to be placed in,” Craig said.

Thomas previously headed up the internal division and was considered a rising star, The Detroit News reported.

Any police officer with a rank of captain above is appointed by the police chief, who may discipline the officer without approval of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners.

“When you're at the rank of commander, you're held to a higher standard,” Craig said. “In the next day or so, we'll make some decisions ... he could be terminated, demoted, he could opt for retirement ... the investigation is still very early.”

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