Two Armed, Allegedly Drunk Oakland County Deputies Arrested In St. Paddy's Day Crash

PONTIAC (CBS Detroit) Two off-duty Oakland County Sheriff's deputies -- who were armed and allegedly drunk before noon -- were arrested on St. Patrick's Day after a traffic crash involving a 70-year-old woman, police said.

It happened at 11 a.m. at University Drive near Paddock Street in
Pontiac.

Police said the victim was transported to a local hospital, treated for injuries, and released.

Deputies from the Pontiac Substation immediately responded to the accident. "While on the scene of the accident, it was apparent that both off-duty deputies had been drinking," the sheriff's department said in a press release.

Both men were arrested. The driver was arrested for operating while impaired as well as possession of a firearm while intoxicated. The
passenger was arrested for possession of a firearm while intoxicated.

Both weapons were off-duty handguns.

Investigators obtained a blood draw from both off-duty deputies and the kit has been sent for blood alcohol level testing. Both Deputies were lodged at the Oakland County Jail where they were held overnight and released pending further investigation.

Once the results of the blood tests are returned, Sheriff's Investigators will present the case to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office for criminal charges.

"This is completely unacceptable on more levels than I can list," said Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard. "Law enforcement is held to a higher standard. They have violated the public's trust and will be held accountable for their inexcusable actions."

The off-duty Deputies involved have less than 19 months on the job and both have been suspended.

Additionally, the Sheriff's Office has begun termination proceedings. Their
deputy status has been revoked and their agency issued equipment, badges, and ID has been confiscated by the Sheriff's Office.