David Dolan likely first-ever Colorado State Patrol trooper caught driving drunk on duty, spokesman says
Colorado State Patrol Trooper David Dolan spent 21 years on the job without getting nearly as much attention as he did yesterday, when Douglas County Sheriff's Office personnel pulled him over and arrested him on suspicion of drunk driving.
David Dolan during a more sober moment.
It was certainly a novel offense. CSP spokesman Trooper Ryan Sullivan isn't aware of any other situation quite like this one in the state patrol's history.
Sullivan says that with an internal CSP investigation ongoing, and a criminal probe being handled by Dougco, it's too early to say what steps the agency may take in terms of trying to prevent something like this from happening again. But judging by the embarrassed comments of Colonel James Wolfinbarger, the CSP's chief, everyone involved would clearly like Dolan's joyless ride to be the most isolated of incidents. Look below for Wolfinbarger's full statement and more details:
On March 22, 2010 at approximately 7:00 a.m., Colorado State Patrol Trooper David Dolan was contacted by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office for erratic driving on westbound C470 at Platte Canyon. Trooper Dolan was taken into custody for the investigation of Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol. The Douglas County Sheriff's Department is conducting the criminal investigation in reference to this incident."I am very concerned and disturbed regarding the events of this morning. The Colorado State Patrol takes any violation of law and/or policy seriously and we will move quickly and thoroughly through this administrative investigation. While any violation of law is serious, this alleged act is very concerning given the nature of the mission of the Colorado State Patrol. We have a 75 year history of combating impaired and drunken driving and are deeply committed to eradicating this senseless crime on our roads," said Colonel James Wolfinbarger, Chief of the Colorado State Patrol.
Trooper Dolan will be placed on unpaid administrative leave pursuant to Colorado State Personnel Rules. The Colorado State Patrol has launched a concurrent administrative investigation.
Colorado State Trooper David Dolan was hired January 22, 1989 and is a 21 year veteran of the patrol assigned to our Selections Unit out of Colorado Springs.
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