An internal shake-up is rocking the Acton Police Department after a retired police official was charged with operating under the influence and a police supervisor has been put on leave following an OUI investigation. According to details released by the Acton Police, the incident transpired on Saturday, May 3, when a patrol officer training a newcomer encountered a 2024 Toyota Highlander idling in the parking lot of a liquor store, reported WHDH. The supervisor, when notified, arrived and opted to take the driver, a 64-year-old retired police official, home instead of arresting him on the spot.
The following day, Acton Police commanders began reviewing the case and decided that there was enough evidence to file two charges against the retired official, namely operating under the influence (OUI) and possession of an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. However, the name of the accused has not been released, as the suspect is only able to be identified as a 64-year-old Acton man due to legal procedures surrounding the impending court summons, explained NBC Boston.
The supervisor in question has since been placed on administrative leave by the department, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into the handling of the situation. If the Acton police are known for anything, it's for their commitment to modern law enforcement practices and equal application of the law, regardless of one's station in life. Acton Police Chief James Cogan affirmed this, stating on NBC Boston, “Our public rightly demands that we enforce the law evenly, and we will conduct a full and thorough review of the handling of the situation that unfolded early Saturday morning." This statement echoes the department's dedication to transparency and equitable law enforcement.
Meanwhile, the retired police official at the center of the investigation is set to appear in Concord District Court to face the charges brought against him.
