BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Prosecutors say it was an
argument outside a Colchester bowling alley sports bar that was the first red
flag. An eyewitness allegedly overheard Jeremy Wyskiel, 36, and his girlfriend
fighting about the off-duty officer being too drunk to drive.
"This is a crime that
affects everybody in the community; everybody drives on the roads. So, this
case is a priority and we're going to treat it like any other case,"
Chittenden County State's Attorney T.J. Donovan said.
The eyewitness allegedly
followed the officer's car north on Route 7, telling police Wyskiel was
speeding, swerving and almost went off the road. The six-year veteran of the
Colchester Police Department was later arrested on suspicion of DUI, a charge
he denied in court Thursday.
"The police did their job
here," Donovan said. "Once Colchester Police responded and knew it
was one of their own, they called in another department. Vermont State Police
came in and did the processing in this case."
Wyskiel told a state police
investigator he was stressed at work and reached out for help. On the night in
question, he claims, he had a shot of mint schnapps, 2-3 beers before bowling,
and another 2-4 beers at the bar before he drove.
"I've just now become
aware of some of the allegations," said Brooks McArthur, Wyskiel's lawyer.
"I think it's unfortunate. Jeremy is a well-respected officer."
Wyskiel is the second
Chittenden County cop McArthur has defended against DUI allegations in the last
eight months. Burlington's Deputy Chief, Andi Higbee, took a plea deal,
admitting to a lesser charge. He has since retired.
"They have a hard job.
They work incredibly long hours. It's a dangerous job," Donovan said.
Wyskiel, a former Coast Guard
petty officer, refused field sobriety and preliminary breath tests. But back at
the barracks he consented and blew 0.217-- nearly three times the 0.08 legal
limit-- 2.5 hours after he had been spotted driving.
The judge released him, but
banned him from drinking alcohol or carrying a weapon. He must also undergo
alcohol and mental health assessments.
"He's doing everything
right here. And that's something we think should happen not only in the
interest of Mr. Wyskiel, but in the interest of public safety," Donovan
said.
"If there are any issues,
he going to address those issues," McArthur said.
Wyskiel remains on
administrative leave while his case plays out. Prosecutors say he is legally
allowed to drive, pending the outcome of a civil suspension hearing.
The Colchester Police
Department is also conducting its own internal personnel investigation.