Detroit police officer arrested in Redford Township on suspicion of drunk driving
Body camera footage given to CBS News Detroit shows Redford Township police arresting a Detroit police officer who also serves as the department's spokesperson.
Police arrested 28-year-old Jalon Nelson on suspicion of drunk driving in the early morning hours of July 31. The body camera video shows Redford Township police approaching an unmarked police vehicle with its lights on. The vehicle was in the grass section of a White Castle parking lot off Telegraph and Schoolcraft roads before 2 a.m.
"He is in the back seat," a Redford Township police officer said in the video.
Inside, they found Nelson asleep in the backseat. Police asked Nelson if he was an officer and if he worked for the city of Detroit.
Nelson confirmed to police that he was an officer and worked in media relations. He's a familiar face who often appears in the department's social media videos or answers reporters' questions.
But he is currently charged with operating with a blood alcohol content of .17 or more.
The video showed Nelson refusing to say where he was coming from, which led him to this parking lot. He also refused to take a test to see if he was safe to drive.
"I am not going to consent. If you believe in your expertise that I should not be driving home, cool, therefore lock me up," Nelson told officers.
"It's embarrassing for the Detroit Police Department," said former Detroit Police Assistant Chief Steve Dolunt.
Dolunt told CBS News Detroit that this is not the first time this has happened in all Detroit departments.
"But my question is, were the keys in the ignition? Did anyone have video of him driving, in which, in this case, he's screwed," said Dolunt.
In a statement to CBS News Detroit, the Detroit Police Department confirmed that Nelson is on administrative leave.
"We hold our officers to the highest standards—both on and off-duty—and remain unwavering in our commitment to the principle that no one is above the law," said DPD.
Nelson was released after posting a $350 bond. He's scheduled for a pre-trial hearing on September 9.
CBS News Detroit reached out to Nelson's attorney, who had no comment at this time.
