UAPD sergeant arrested on suspicion of super-extreme DUI while on duty

On Saturday night, a University of Arizona Police Department sergeant was taken into custody on suspicion of super-extreme DUI after crashing a department SUV into a traffic sign while on duty.

According to Sgt. Pete Dugan, a Tucson police spokesman, 27-year-old Sgt. John McGrath was driving the marked SUV when he crashed into a sign and struck a cement wall on the Interstate 10 frontage road near Speedway. The incident happened on 9:30 p.m.

No person was injured in the accident.

He said officers investigating the accident “noticed signs and symptoms of possible impairment” and conducted a DUI investigation.

When the investigation was completed, police took McGrath into custody on suspicion of super-extreme DUI, for having a blood alcohol content of 0.20 percent or greater, 3 lesser DUI charges, failure to control speed to avoid a collision and criminal damage. He was charged and then released. His vehicle was towed and seized for thirty days.

Since 2009, McGrath has worked for UAPD and was promoted to sergeant, according to Sgt. Filbert Barrera. Barrera also said that McGrath returned to duty about a month ago after serving a year-long tour in Afghanistan with the Army National Guard. He has been placed on investigative suspension.

News Source: www.AZStarNet.com