Ferndale police officer drives off-duty Roseville cop home after DUI

(WJBK) - A Roseville officer and a Ferndale lieutenant are at the center of a drunk driving investigation.

Roseville Police Chief James Berlin was not happy when he learned one of his officers was pulled over, suspected of driving drunk by a member of the Ferndale Police.

"I am shocked, chagrinned and embarrassed," he said. "Not for just our department, but all police officers in general. This brings disrepute on all of us."

Ferndale Police spotted the off-duty Roseville police officer driving the wrong direction on Woodward. The Ferndale officer pulled him over, but, instead of arresting the 14-year veteran of the Roseville Police Department, the Ferndale officer ended up driving him home.

"Anybody should know better in this day and age," Berlin said. "There is Lyft, Uber, etc. It is unconscionable that anyone who was over-imbibed would get behind the wheel."

It happened Nov. 9 but both departments didn't learn what happened until another officer came forward last week. Ferndale's administration then found out.  

Once the Ferndale officer learned the suspect he pulled over was a Roseville officer, he called his supervisor who ordered the intoxicated Roseville officer and his passenger be brought to the Ferndale Police Department and then driven home.

Both Ferndale and Roseville police have launched internal investigations.

"We take this seriously it will be investigated thoroughly and we will take the appropriate action when it is complete," Berlin said.

In a press release Ferndale Police says on the surface it appears their lieutenant made a poor decision - but they, too, take this very seriously.

Ferndale is also trying to determine whether any policies or procedures violated. If so, proper disciplinary action will be taken. 

"Officers do have discretion and they are encouraged to use it," Berlin said. "Whether there was proper discretion in this case I don't know."

A criminal complaint has been filed against the Roseville police officer. He has been put on paid administrative leave until the investigation is complete.