Mansfield Police Officer Placed on Leave, Later Arrested on OVI Charge
MANSFIELD, OHIO — A Mansfield police officer was placed on administrative leave and later arrested on an OVI charge after allegedly reporting for duty under the influence of alcohol, according to the Mansfield Police Department.
Officer John Meyer reported for duty at approximately 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, and was found to be under the influence of alcohol, police said. The department then initiated the administrative process outlined in the Fraternal Order of Police collective bargaining agreement and City of Mansfield policies.
Meyer was immediately relieved of duty and taken to Ohio-Health for drug and alcohol testing. He was subsequently placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
At approximately 9 p.m. that same day, Mansfield police were notified that Meyer had been stopped by the Ontario Police Department for allegedly operating a motor vehicle while under the influence.
Meyer was taken to the Richland County Jail on charges of OVI, a marked-lanes violation, improper lane change and having an open container, according to the release.
Meyer has served with the Mansfield Police Department since Jan. 28, 2014.
The department said no additional information was available because the incident remains the subject of an active administrative investigation and a pending criminal case.
The charges are allegations. Meyer is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
