An off-duty Bellingham Police officer found himself on the wrong side of the law last week after being involved in a drunk driving crash in Woonsocket, Rhode Island. Sergeant Kevin Heenan faces charges of operating under the influence and carrying a firearm while intoxicated following an incident with an unoccupied vehicle, according to Boston 25 News. The Woonsocket Police Department has yet to disclose whether the gun found in Heenan's possession was issued by the department.
Bellingham Police Chief Kenneth Fitzgerald did not hesitate to quickly place Heenan on paid administrative leave while the sergeant awaits his arraignment. "These allegations are deeply concerning and do not reflect the standards or values of this department," Fitzgerald said, signaling an internal affairs investigation has also been launched to thoroughly determine any breaches of departmental policies. This statement, obtained by Boston 25 News, shows the department's commitment to a transparent and professional approach to the situation.
Additional details provided by TurnTo10 News, indicate that after the crash, Heenan was transported to Landmark Medical Center before being released with a summons to appear in court. The Bellingham Police Department has stripped the officer of his police powers during his leave, restricting his access to department property, systems, or equipment unless specifically granted permission.
While the Massachusetts POST Commission has been alerted to Heenan's arrest and may to conduct their own review, there has been no immediate additional information regarding the event or investigation. However, both the Bellingham Police and Woonsocket authorities vow full cooperation as the judicial process unfolds, signaling a commitment to uphold the law equally for both the sworn and the civilian. "The Bellingham Police Department is committed to transparency, integrity, and professionalism, and takes all allegations of criminal conduct-on or off duty-very seriously," Chief Fitzgerald asserted in a press release shared by Boston 25 News.
