A Golden Valley police officer was arrested last week for drunken driving and obstructing legal process after allegedly failing to cooperate with Plymouth police.
Paul Schaefer, 36, failed a field sobriety test but Plymouth's city attorney is waiting for the results of a urine test to determine charges against Schaefer, said Barb Cox, public information officer for the Plymouth Police Department.
Plymouth police received a call about 12:10 a.m. Thursday about a possible drunken driver and a vehicle in the ditch on County Road 101 near 14th Avenue. When police arrived, the driver wasn't there but the caller who reported the incident pointed out the man, who was walking nearby, Cox said. The Plymouth police officer smelled alcohol on his breath and believed Schaefer was intoxicated. During the incident, Schaefer apparently handed the officer his wallet that included his police identification and apparently made several comments that he be taken home as a "professional courtesy," Cox said.
According to police reports, Schaefer was argumentative and uncooperative, refusing to take his hands out of his pockets when asked. The Plymouth officer eventually brought Schaefer down to the ground and put handcuffs on him, Cox said.
He was booked and released after submitting to a urine test, she said.
Golden Valley police officials couldn't be reached for comment about Schaefer's status on the force.
MARY LYNN SMITH
