An off-duty Jefferson County Sheriff's deputy is facing a DUI charge after fellow deputies found him asleep behind the wheel in a Denver apartment parking lot Sunday morning. The deputy, identified as Tyler Stahl, is now under both a criminal investigation and an internal administrative review.
How It Unfolded
Jefferson County deputies were dispatched around 7:45 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, for a report of a person passed out in a car in the 3500 block of South Depew Street, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. When they arrived, deputies recognized the driver as Deputy Tyler Stahl. The agency said Stahl cooperated with responding officers, was arrested on suspicion of DUI, issued a summons, and then released to a family member.
Location And Investigation
Just after 8 a.m., Colorado State Patrol troopers were asked to assist, and the vehicle was tracked to a private Denver apartment parking lot near West Hampden Avenue and South Harlan Street, according to The Denver Gazette. The outlet reports that the Colorado State Patrol is handling the criminal investigation, while the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office is managing the administrative side.
Official Response
"We are deeply disappointed by the conduct involving one of our deputies," Jefferson County Sheriff Reggie Marinelli said in a news release, noting that employees are expected to follow the same laws they are sworn to enforce. According to the statement from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, Stahl has been placed on paid administrative leave while both the criminal and internal investigations move forward.
Local Context
July is Colorado's peak month for alcohol and drug driving crashes, according to the Colorado State Patrol, which lists Jefferson County among the counties with high impaired-driving crash rates. Recent misconduct cases in nearby law enforcement agencies have also drawn attention, including a Douglas County deputy who was fired earlier this year after a DUI and careless driving arrest, as reported by The Gazette.
What Happens Next
The Colorado State Patrol is leading the criminal investigation, and any formal charges or filings will be determined by prosecutors and the courts. Stahl was issued a summons and released to a family member after his arrest, according to The Denver Gazette. This story will be updated if investigators or prosecutors release additional details or file new charges.
