Officer Arrested on Drunken Driving Charge

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Officer Arrested on Drunken Driving Charge

By Becky Ogann

WEST DES MOINES (AP) - Authorities say an undercover West Des Moines police officer has been arrested on a drunken driving charge.

The officer, a member of the narcotics task force, was arrested in the early morning hours of July 2 in Waukee.

Records say another motorist called police reporting a person driving in an irregular manner.

West Des Moines police say the officer is on paid administrative leave. The department plans to conduct an internal affairs investigation to determine whether department policy was violated.
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Saturday, Jul 12 at 12:08 PM Anonymous wrote ...

What makes a case news worthy? In the case of the Johnson Co Sgt Detective that was stopped twice(in his county unmarked vehicle) within a 6-7 month for drunk driving, all of the details where given to the CR Gazette and nothing reported. Both stops are documented in the police reports but apparently the media couldn't put it all together to inform the tax payers. The deputy wasn't even demoted after either of the stops let alone fired. The deputy was a big supporter of the Sheriffs.

Thursday, Jul 10 at 2:02 PM doughnuts wrote ...

he was under cover, he was to look drunk. that would make all us feel better right nice but not flying. yes you call 911 for help, for fire abuse, or crime, other wise deal with it. talk with your neighbors be a friend help out don't call them over a dog thats dumb. it sucks when you have to watch your back when you drive when your a young male 16-35 for cops because your marked. prudes just ruin fun and life. until your rich or in power you are nothing so deal and try to keep your nose clean.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 8:21 PM NO BIG SURPRISE wrote ...

Wow, I'm paying for this worthless narc to sit on his keister... because he's a cop. What about pro sports, ie football - if you're busted for drunk driving, you're off the team. AKA YOU LOSE YOUR JOB, hello... just another case of a cop thinking he's above the law. "Serve and protect" my ***

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 3:15 PM Hey 8:56! wrote ...

In his defense "Morons", (a.k.a Morroners) can be spelt either way! I do agree with him/her though, these people that are writing all of this really don't know how to spell, nor do they know anything about the policies that law enforcement agencies have. It is funny to read the stuff the guy is writing about how the cops don't protect us, the military does, what a MORON!!!

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 2:53 PM To: triathlete wrote ...

Captian? Is that you?

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 2:41 PM 911 wrote ...

Without a doubt The U.S. military protects this country's safety and freedoms. However, I have not seen a U.S. Marine patroling my neighborhood looking for murderers, rapists, or thieves. I have yet to see an Army Ranger do CPR on a dying infant at the local pool because he was the first one there. The Navy and the Air Force have yet to precision bomb my neighbors incescently barking dog. Thankfully, I have never seen you sir, with your 9mm and 1100. You don't get the military by dialing 911.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 2:40 PM Views wrote ...

.08 sucks. We're all criminals now.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 2:16 PM Triathlete wrote ...

I find it funny that people have the illusion that police are somehow supposed to be our first line defense against bad guys. Even some going so far to say that they are responsible for freedoms and safety we all enjoy. That is laughable! They are on the OTHER side, working with big government to strip our freedoms from us. Many officers have a God complex, and actually do think that they are somehow above the very citizens they are sworn to serve. They are not. No matter how much they hate us.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 2:02 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Wow, I can not believe I actually wasted my time reading these comments. All of you must have better things to do than to type all that stuff when it has nothing to do with you.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 1:55 PM TO: Spinless Cowards? wrote ...

I thought I was clear but allow me to clarify. Without backbone, destitute of courage, and obviously lacking the thinking capacity characteristic of a concious being. One who should have been neutered at birth to prevent further propagating of the species and its insidious views.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 1:38 PM Who are we to judge? wrote ...

We are the ones who pay this man's salary...who rely on him to provide us safety, whose kids look up to. I guess we shouldnt have a opinion on someone who is in public life, who is suppose to be a role model. Yeah the poor officer, back him up, your the kind of people that allow the coverups to happen. No one is perfect, i hope he seeks help and becomes a leader once again.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 1:35 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Cops: Hippocrates, enforcing laws then saying its ok for them to break, such as the Johnston co. police in Tiffin, uh you have a taillight out... (7/09/08 after midnight) ... but you enforce it, check your lights! oh yeah way above the law.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 12:45 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I know an officer that pulled over a mayor in small town Iowa for DWI after leaving the casino. The next day the officer was fired and all charges dropped against the smallsville mayor! It just depends on who you are.BTW he was 3X over the legal limit.Shame on Clayton Co. Sheriff for dropping the charges! Everyone should be treated equally, reguardless of social status or job title. Yes cops have a tough job, but it still does not give them the right to break the law they have sworn to uphold.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 12:42 PM TO 1012 SHAME wrote ...

The cops dont provide the "safety and security me and my family enjoy" the military does. And to that end, so does the Winchester 1100 behind my door and the Beretta 9mm under my bed. This is where people get so misguided. The safety of our home depends solely on US, the armed citizen. Not the cop that arrives after the gunsmoke has settled to perform a body count. Police direct traffic, write tickets, look for ways to bust down the average citizen, who they usually hate with a passion.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 12:16 PM To Shame wrote ...

Spineless cowards? Who are you to judge you must be another worthless cop and we should rid the world of scum like you

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 12:11 PM Bad Cop wrote ...

Get the story right the Johnson County Deputy was driving a squad car the wrong way on 218 North bound in South bound lane. A few months later same Deputy was called in passed out at a stop sign in same squad car. Our great Sheriff covered it up and the Deputy resigned..A couple months later same now retired Deputy was stop by Linn County Sheriff's Dept that did there job and arestted him for OWI. Maybe that Deputy should of been offered some help instead of the Sheriff covering it up..

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 11:41 AM Get a life wrote ...

How sad it is to see many pass judgement, all of you must be of the highest calibur of humans.The officer made a mistake and will be dealt with as our laws state.If you do not like the pd admin policy call your local police department and tell them but quit whinning. Something tells me his identity needs to be hidden given the fact he is on the narrcotics task force? There are many things that happen in this country daily "behind" the scenes and we never hear about it, why is this so special?

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 10:12 AM SHAME wrote ...

Shame on those in eastern Iowa who judge so harshly that which they know nothing about. This officer has put himself in harms way to rid the scum of human kind from our society, while you spinless cowards sit and enjoy the very safety and freedom that he and others like him provide. You use a 5 sentance article of media covering an event from a city 140 miles away as a means to spread your misguided juvenile perceptions of all law enforcement officers base on the actions of one. Shame on you.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 9:49 AM Let He Who Is Without Sin Cast the First Stone wrote ...

"...investigation to determine whether department policy was violated"?!? Are they UNSURE about whether drunk driving complies with their policy?? Really, cops are just as human as the rest of us citizens. They are not special, elite or above the law, though some like to think they are. He made a mistake, he got caught, he should face the same consequences that the rest of us would face. Learn from it and move on.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 6:55 AM To Copperhead wrote ...

Well said

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 5:09 AM Anonymous wrote ...

aw poor officer finally got caught... i do pity you poor tax collectors with guns... poor tax collectors.

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 2:04 AM Not perfect either wrote ...

Most law enforcement officers are very well educated and law abiding. If I had to deal with all the idiots they do,and deal with suicides, rapes,murders,shootings,stabbings,accidents, child molesters,drug dealers-I would be an alcoholic.If you don't think they put their lives on the line everyday,then you live in a cave.They are human,he screwed up,he was arrested,he'll go to court.Get over it.What about teachers?Doctors?Priests? Haven't found to many perfect people yet-look in the mirror!

Wednesday, Jul 9 at 12:35 AM annoyed wrote ...

So many cop haters! They aren't all bad, and they aren't all good. Just like in any job. We can only hope the majority are good. I don't know this guy and don't feel entitled to judge him. I guess I'll leave that to the rest of you!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:27 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Last i checked, when you are a cop you are a cop 24/7. I come a family that has a few working in the field. You arrest a cop that is off duty just like a normal person, granted they more then likely will try waves of helping you, but no favors. We all have hard jobs, just in different ways. I worked 8 years on ambulances, and i never once used a really bad day as a excuse to go drinking.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:14 PM PD wrote ...

The paid time off is routine for any possible misconduct. Although the officer is most likely guility, he's only been charged with this offense. Until an investigation proves he is guilty, they put him on paid leave. It is how the justice system and Civil Service rules work; it has nothing to do with unions or special treatment. If he was getting all this "special treatment," he wouldn't have been arrested in the first place, so obviously there are some GOOD cops doing their jobs.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 10:54 PM Anonymous wrote ...

goes to show cops are not always above the law,like some cops think they are.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 10:47 PM from Dyersville wrote ...

Hey copperhead are you for real? Maybe you ought to use your brain and do some research on the education a police officer is required to have. Maybe it would be better to use your brain for more constuctive things. By the way, how high of an education do you have, kindergarten?

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 10:07 PM Come On wrote ...

To the "former cop" so my tax dollars should pay this guy for driving drunk. No paid leave, that is just ridiculus. I'm not against the union by any means. But come on, who gets paid time off when they drive drunk. It's an automatic 6 months of losing your license, I know i made the same mistake chris did, but funny thing my employer or union didn't reward me when i got caught, just amazing!!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:56 PM Hey 8:17 wrote ...

Good advice man!! maybe you need to learn how to spell morons correctly!!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:17 PM smarter than all of you...learn how to spell you idiots wrote ...

None of these comments are from anyone who knows anything about law enforcement policy. All police departments, jails and prisons have policies to follow no matter what law gets broken: owi, shooting or vehicle accidents. He's not getting any special treatments and maybe their checking to see if policies were broken because maybe he was working and the drug house he just left required him to drink alcohol with whomever to protect his undercover status. But all of you morrons don't think of that

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:02 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Did his buddies catch him @ a Safety Check Point?

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 8:00 PM Anonymous wrote ...

THERE'S ALWAYS BARBER COLLEGE

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 7:40 PM Many went to college... wrote ...

I know many officers that have their masters degrees. Most officers are intelligent people who want to help their community. Just like in every line of profession, there are going to be people that make that profession look bad.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 6:41 PM Reserve Deputy wrote ...

If he worked in Johnson County our Sheriff would of looked the other way. We had a Deputy drive the wrong way on Highway 218 and pass out at a sto sign and got nothing..After retired a day later Linn county arrested the former deputy fot OWI.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 6:37 PM ANON @ 4:15 wrote ...

Then keep your lights on the whole time amd continue to drive carefully, BS excuse for a BS officer!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 6:35 PM just an employee... wrote ...

Well, If anyone here had to do a cops job, it would make them want to drink too! He should have called a cab or had a DD, but he didn't. What I find funny is that another cop arrested a cop.....that usualy does not happen. Let the swift hand of justice do its job.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 6:26 PM good cop bad cop wrote ...

This is really not newsworthy cops carry their little flask around all the time. What else would they do with all their time. Hey lets try out some of that pot we just got from that guy we just busted!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 5:25 PM Copperhead wrote ...

Police officers are frequently people who were picked on, hated,non-athletic in high school. The ones that finished high school are issued their badge and weapon, then freed to exact revenge on society for their supposed mistreatment. It sucks. Just because they were losers, they have this percieved "power" over other citizens. It's false. we can also be legally armed, with way more than a puny Glock. I think many citizens are very wary of Militarized police, and won't tolerate THEM.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 5:00 PM vlach wrote ...

His name is Chris Vesey. Start looking for a new job Chris.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 4:56 PM oje wrote ...

oink oink burp oink

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 4:37 PM me wrote ...

its ok to name other offenders but not the task force huh was it just alcohol or was it drugs theres just somethings the state dont want u to know think about that

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 4:14 PM Anonymous wrote ...

to anon @ 1:07. Officers turn on their lights to go through an intersection not cause they don't want to sit at a light but because they're going to a call when it's important to not lolly gag on getting there, but not a life or death situation where they need to go lights and sirens. I've done it before myself. Ex: a car is being broken into. There is no need to go lights and siren and put others at risk,but it is pertenent to get there in a timely fashing if you expect to catch the burglar.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 4:13 PM skatman00 wrote ...

Lead by example, wat to go police. The perfect role model for todays youth. Daddy I want to be a police officer when I grow up, I want to get trashed off duty so when I get caught, I can get some time of and get paid for it, what better job can you find that does that. Congrats Wes DM

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 3:59 PM Things that make you go hmmmm wrote ...

I don't think too many people getting arrested gets paid by their employer for their bad habits. What a way to spend our tax dollars! and I bet this gentleman will be right out waiting to point his guilty finger at the next person. I wonder why we did not publish his name like we do everyone else? hmmmmmmmm

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 3:32 PM Law Enforcment Family Member wrote ...

To all of you that are posting rude comments about Cops and Law Enforcement officers....Who investigates the crime when your house or car is broken into? Who is driving 100mph to a man with a gun when everyone else is driving 100mph to get away from him? Think of that before you post.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 3:29 PM LE Officer wrote ...

When I graduated from college with my degree in Criminal Justice I did a research paper on Police Brutality......1% of all officers will commit police brutality or a serious law infraction which will result in jail time or the loss of a job....I dont know if its just me, but 1% is extremely small compared to 99%.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 3:06 PM Interesting... wrote ...

I flagged the comment of "1:36 PM Anonymous wrote". Free speech is fine, but if comments like that were written about a person of color, a female, a religious leader or others, people would have a fit. But since it is a cop they are talking about, it's ok? There are poor decisions made every day and this guy made one and was arrested. He wasn't given special treatment and I'm sure his job will be gone since he will lose his driver's license. Please don't judge all cops by a few that are bad

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 2:18 PM Duh wrote ...

It doesn't say anything about him being on duty does it? I'm sure there've been a few civil servants in the past that have been picked up on a DUI, but is it really that newsworthy???

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 2:00 PM concerned parent wrote ...

Do you all seriously think that cops dont drink!!??? If you think even our local cops don't drink then you are serriously stupid! I have ran into atleast 10 C.R.P.D. officers drinking at Chrome Horse when they were open and then watched them doing shots and everything else and then get into their personal vehicle!! Imagine that!! They are people too, out of uniform they are normal like all of us! Get over it!!It happens weither you all want to admit it.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 1:52 PM old Guy wrote ...

I think the arresting officer was just doing his job. I also think that this is an internal matter for the department. I would have taken him to the drunk tank and then in the morning right to the chief. WE pay that man to make the decisions that he does. I support them. It is a tough job any way you look at it. Hope the officer gets some help and his wife and kids can forgive him. May they get some peace. He is in for a tough road i am sure. Good Luck.....

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 1:47 PM Old Guy wrote ...

Wow this guy made a mistake. Ok. I have no idea what he is going through at this time. I will not pass judgement on you sir. You know what you did was wrong. Now get some help. I did and have not had another drink in over ten years now. When i was Bravo nine i pulled over a car that had a group of teenagers that were drunk. One the driver was the admirals daughter. I called him at home and asked what he wanted to do. He came to the scene with his chief of staff and that was the end of it for me.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 1:36 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Police Officer. Definition: College drop out with gun(does not require a degree), mentally handicapped man with gun , tax collector, trigger happy hick, above the law, rapist(two months ago on the news), drunk drivers(but it’s ok), does not need to fallow public safety, or traffic laws.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 1:13 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I realize that cops are people and they make mistakes. But,doesn't his job involve driving? If the DOT takes his license away and part of the requirements of his job is to drive,then shouldn't he be fired for not being able to perform his duties? I doubt that is likely to happen though-either the DOT will not take his license or he will remain on paid leave as long as possible and when he does come back he will be assigned a job that does not involve driving.Might sound crazy,but think about it

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 1:07 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Cops aren't special. If they break the law they should have to face the same punishment as anyone else. I have seen cops turn on their lights and sirens just to get through an intersection and then turn them off after they have passed all the traffic. All cops are human, but are they all moral and ethical?

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 1:05 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Hey Crazy. They probably didn't release his name because he is a member of a narcotics task force. I’m not saying that drinking and driving is a good thing to do, but do you want the drug dealers and users to know he is a cop? That could be a death sentence for him and the other task force members if the dope dealers learned his occupation.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...

to former cop- it doesnt matter what are jobs intail as a cop you are the enforcer of the law and that cop felt he was above the law and had no reason why he should violate that law he should know it by heart. If you enforce the law and cant obey the law you shouldnt have the job of enforcing it, should be part of the job!! and how would that mistake feel if he killed some on!! maybe they should make him go to all the killed by drunks accidents from now on to see how stupid he was!!!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:55 PM GlugGlugGlug wrote ...

Cops get thirsty too.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:55 PM Anonymous wrote ...

In response to why his name was left out- could it quite possibly be because he was an undercover officer on a narcotics team?? Yes, he made a terrible mistake, but I'm sure he also had contributed quite a bit to keep drugs off our streets and all of us safe! Keeping his identity private is the only way to keep him safe. If you knew anything at all about drugs in Iowa, you would know just how much his life could be at risk if his name was leaked.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:54 PM JR wrote ...

An undercover cop on the narcotics task force. Maybe one good reason not to plaster his name and address all over the place. While I don't condone his action it's possible his job is a little more stressful than yours or mine. Not to mention the fact that he's from the West Des Moines police department so how's that big news in Eastern Iowa, anyway.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:44 PM name wrote ...

the officers name is chris vesey. they're not releasing his picture because it could compromise pending undercover investigations. vesey was arrested in waukee. waukee police took fingerprints but "forgot" to take a mugshot

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:41 PM dubuque wrote ...

"former cop" you dumb SOB. unions are worthless. all they are for is to help the lazy, worthless, POS employees. They are a waist of a monthly fee. trust me i was in one for years. And thats the problem, this guy will get off because of the union. I've seen it to many times.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:35 PM crazy wrote ...

Everyone look at the name...exactly, cause he is a cop they dont want the name to get out and probly very little charges will ever get filed against him. if he was a regular person like us it would say the name address and so on. this is just like that senator that nailed for owi three years ago got off with do probation. boy aint our goverment awesome.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:19 PM Stumpy wrote ...

What kind of cop would arrest another cop? Whatever happened to brotherhood. I hope that cop is involved in a shootout and no other officers respond to his call for aid.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:10 PM former cop wrote ...

you people tend to forget that cops are people too. they make mistakes and have to attone for them. do you lose your job if you get an OWI? i doubt it unless your job consists of driving... most jobs don't even care that you get one as long as you show up for work. he gets paid time off because no matter what you do that starts an investigation you get paid time off... just like if you shoot someone in the line of duty...you get paid time off... so quit crying and learn what a union is

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:10 PM DC wrote ...

I hope he looses his job, how many has he arrested for OWI. Worthless cop

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:09 PM The blue line wrote ...

The reason the media makes note of Law Enforcement Officers when they Break The Law is that if you choose a profession where you are supposed to enforce the laws instead of breaking them then you are held to a higher standard. Talking Head Hater must be a cop trying to hold the blue line of officers above the law

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:09 PM Anonymous wrote ...

talking head is right, look at the way O'Reilly and Limbaugh ran for cover when their personal dalliances were called to task....

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:07 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Why is he on "paid administrative leave?" If you are not a police officer and you get charged with drunk driving, will your employer put you on paid administrative leave? I think not. I understand that the PD has to conduct their own investigation, but I think paid leave is a little much...

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:06 PM Dave wrote ...

Ahh...but the liberals have to rehabilitate him. He is suffering from a disease.....

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 12:01 PM Iowa City Res wrote ...

The officer should go through the same court system as a reg person would

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:55 AM hmmm... wrote ...

This same type of thing has happened in eastern Iowa in the past, but its never been broadcasted through the media. Many times its hidden so the news doesn't find out.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:34 AM talking head hater wrote ...

Its amazing how the liberal media loves bashing cops. After all, these liberals are perfect in every way. Funny how when a news person gets arrested it never shows up in the news. They spend so much time hiding behind their desks looking for ways to slander and lie.. they just suck.

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:33 AM Anonymous wrote ...

Paid administrative leave. The department plans to conduct an internal affairs investigation to determine whether department policy was violated. What is this world coming to. Get drunk, drive a car, get busted, get paid time off. Nope, some nothing wrong here. If your a cop!!

Tuesday, Jul 8 at 11:30 AM Surprise wrote ...

Cop thinking hes above the law. Thats a surprise. :SARCASM:

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