An off-duty officer with the Sierra Vista Police Department was recently arrested and charged with driving under the influence after a routine traffic stop.

On Monday, June 8, at about 11:40 p.m., a Sierra Vista police officer conducted a routine traffic stop on a vehicle for speeding. Upon contact with the driver, it was determined he was an off-duty SVPD officer. After observing signs of impairment, the investigating officer requested assistance from the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival, CCSO deputies assumed responsibility of the investigation.

Deputies conducted a DUI investigation, including field sobriety tests, and determined the driver was impaired. CCSO then arrested the off-duty officer for driving under the influence. The arrested officer is no longer employed with SVPD.

“The on-duty officer’s response to this incident demonstrates the professionalism and integrity we expect from every member of our department,” SVPD Chief Chris Hiser says. “I commend the officer who made the traffic stop for doing the right thing. The officer took appropriate action and requested an independent agency to conduct the investigation. That decision reflects our commitment to accountability and public trust.

Our community expects us to uphold the law fairly and consistently,” Hiser says. “No one is above the law.”