MADISON (AP) — The Madison Police Department has suspended an officer couple after a shooting incident involving alcohol at their home in rural Columbia County.
Investigators said Friday that Officers Gary and Emily House, who are married, were socializing with acquaintances Jan. 3. During the evening, their guns were fired from the backyard toward an unpopulated area.
Investigators believe no one was in danger, but Columbia County sheriff's deputies called to the scene determined that Cary House fired a gun under the influence. He was arrested on suspicion of intoxicated use of a firearm. He pleaded no contest to disorderly conduct and paid a $200 fine.
Internal affairs investigators found that Emily House had likely driven a vehicle while intoxicated the same evening. She was not charged but received a reprimand.
The investigation summary said Cary House was suspended without pay for 30 days, with 10 days held in abeyance for one year, for violating department policies involving firearms safety, unlawful conduct and the care and use of city-owned property.
Emily House was suspended for nine days without pay, with three days held in abeyance, for violating department policies involving unlawful conduct and firearms safety. Police said she handled but didn't fire a gun in the incident.
The investigation summary noted that Cary House was hired by the police department in 2008 and had four commendations on his record, while Emily House was hired in 2007 and had received 13 commendations.