Off-duty Minn. cop arrested on suspicion of OWI

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — An off-duty police officer from southeastern Minnesota has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after a state trooper reported him driving 96 mph.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the man is a 32-year-old Belle Plaine officer. He was stopped Tuesday just before 2:30 a.m. between Jordan and Belle Plaine.

Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske says a preliminary breath test measured the officer’s blood-alcohol content at 0.17 percent, or just over twice the legal limit.

The officer was arrested on suspicion of third-degree drunken driving. He was released after posting bond.

City Administrator David Murphy says the officer is on indefinite leave, but wouldn’t say whether it was paid or unpaid.

The officer has 10 years with the police department. He declined to comment to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.

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