A Roxboro police officer is on administrative leave after he was arrested early Sunday morning in Raleigh, accused of getting intoxicated outside a Glenwood South bar and challenging a security guard to fight. Joseph Downey Jr., 32, now faces two misdemeanor charges stemming from the confrontation, which also drew in Raleigh police officers before it was over.
According to WRAL, Downey got into an altercation with security guards at the bar as well as with Raleigh police officers who responded to the scene. Arrest warrants allege he was intoxicated in front of 610 Glenwood Avenue and challenged a security guard to a fight, according to ABC11. He was ultimately booked on charges of intoxicated and disruptive conduct and resisting a public officer, and was released on a $3,000 bond.
Downey had been with the Roxboro Police Department only since January, and the department says he had no prior disciplinary or conduct violations before this arrest. The station's report notes he also had no previous arrests anywhere in North Carolina, a detail Chief David Hess's department pointed to in distinguishing this incident from any pattern of past misconduct.
Chief Calls Officer's Alleged Conduct Out of Step With Department Standards
Roxboro Police Chief David Hess confirmed that Downey has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. “Mr. Downey is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation,” Hess said, per the same account.
Hess did not mince words about what the allegations mean for a sworn officer. “Law enforcement officers are held to a high standard of conduct on and off duty,” he said, adding that Downey's alleged actions do not reflect the department's core values or community expectations. Hess also thanked the Raleigh Police Department, saying, “I am equally thankful for the professionalism of the Raleigh Police Department with these unfortunate events.”
What the Charges Actually Mean
Both charges Downey faces are rooted in North Carolina statute. Under G.S. 14-444, it is unlawful for anyone in a public place to be intoxicated and disruptive, the exact misdemeanor alleged in Downey's arrest. The second charge, resisting a public officer, falls under G.S. 14-223, which makes it illegal to willfully and unlawfully resist, delay or obstruct a public officer.
No information has emerged confirming how the case will ultimately resolve, and there has been no statement from Downey or an attorney representing him. It also remains unclear whether the Roxboro Police Department's internal investigation has concluded or what, if any, discipline might follow once it does.
