OAK RIDGE NORTH, Texas – A Texas police officer has been terminated from his position and arrested after he reportedly arrived at the police station for his shift smelling of alcohol.
The City of Oak Ridge North announced the firing of Officer Zachery Castenon following the weekend incident. According to municipal officials, Castenon arrived at the city police department on Sunday to report for duty, at which point a fellow officer noticed the odor of an alcoholic beverage on him.
Authorities noted that Castenon had not yet begun any patrol duties or assumed operational responsibilities when the smell was detected. The observing officer immediately reported the situation to a supervisor.
In accordance with department protocols, the supervising sergeant contacted the Texas Department of Public Safety to request an independent investigation by an outside agency.
Castenon was subsequently booked into the Montgomery County Jail on a charge of driving while intoxicated. Following the investigation, his employment with the City of Oak Ridge North was terminated.
City officials emphasized that the individual’s conduct does not represent the integrity and professionalism of the rest of the Oak Ridge North Police Department. The city commended the staff members who promptly reported the issue and followed proper procedures to facilitate an independent inquiry.
Comments