An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer has found himself on the wrong side of the law after showing up to his shift under the influence of alcohol. According to a press release from IMPD, Officer Bryan Gibson, who was previously on administrative duty, arrived at his work smelling of alcohol on the evening of Dec. 10. An OVWI investigator, joined by detectives from the Special Investigations Unit and Internal Affairs, were called in to assess the situation, FOX59 reported.
The incident, which coincidentally lined up with Gibson's seven-year employment anniversary with IMPD, occurred when he was scheduled for a late shift. Gibson was charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated, and with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher as per the Marion County Prosecutor's Office's filing on Dec. 17, according to IndyStar.
Gibson's situation was further complicated by his history with the department, which includes a 2023 officer-involved shooting that resulted in a fatality. This prior incident occurred on Sept. 17, 2023, when Gibson responded to a domestic violence call that escalated into a chase and subsequent shooting of Eric Levon Taylor, as documented in the same IndyStar article.
According to court documents, Gibson was detained and administered a breathalyzer test that indicated he had been drinking. He purportedly told officers he had consumed two small glasses of whiskey earlier in the day. His performance during sobriety tests was impaired, which he ascribed to "bad knees" and injuries from his military service, as per IndyStar. A chemical test conducted later confirmed a BAC level of 0.136%, significantly above the legal limit, WISH-TV reports. Following this detection, Gibson was handed a suspension without pay on Dec. 11 and IMPD Chief Chris Bailey has recommended his termination.
Gibson's initial hearing is now set for Jan. 20, 2026.
