Missouri Police Officer Arrested on 6 Counts, Including DWI

A police officer in Springfield, Missouri is being charged on six counts stemming from two separate crashes that took place within minutes of each other.

Officer Joseph Motte, 54, was charged with driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of an accident, two counts of possession of a loaded firearm while intoxicated, and two counts of imprudent driving. Motte, 10-year veteran, could lose his badge if found guilty of the charges.

According to police, Motte failed to stop when he struck an 18-wheel truck on I-44. After traveling for seven miles, his car went off the road and struck a cable barrier. At the scene of the second accident emergency workers found a flask and several cans of beer in Motte's car. Police also found two loaded weapons in the vehicle. Furthermore, according to police reports Motte failed a field sobriety test and smelled strongly of alcohol.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper Wesley Collins, Motte was incoherent and unsure of his surroundings. Motte asked the paramedics what happened to his car. When the paramedic told him he had been in an accident, Motte said, "No I haven't. Something happened to my windshield."

As of now Motte has remained on active duty while the charges are pending, and was put on paid administrative leave. However, Motte could be taken off paid administrative leave at the conclusion of an internal investigation that is currently ongoing, which is likely to be finished by next week.

"Every time there is an allegation of misconduct on the part of one of our employees, there has to be an investigation process that protects their rights," said Springfield Police Chief Lynn Rowe.

For more information about the drunk driving laws in your state, please click here to find a DWI lawyer near you!