Little Rock, Arkansas – An officer from the Little Rock Police Department (LRPD) has come under scrutiny after being involved in a suspected drunk driving incident early Saturday morning.
According to reports, authorities were dispatched to an accident at the River Market Parking Deck, located at 500 East 2nd Street, at approximately 2:30 a.m. Upon arrival, officials discovered Officer Paul Riley, apparently unconscious inside his vehicle.
In a statement released by the LRPD, it was clarified that Riley was neither on duty at the time of the incident nor actively serving the department. Instead, he was on an extended leave, fulfilling a military commitment. Initial observations led officials to suspect that Riley was under the influence of alcohol. Subsequent tests confirmed these suspicions, revealing a blood alcohol concentration that was double the permissible legal limit.
Following the incident, Officer Riley was promptly arrested without any complications. In light of the events, he has been placed on administrative leave, pending a thorough investigation into the matter. Furthermore, Riley is now contending with a formal charge of driving while intoxicated.
LRPD officials have confirmed that Riley has been a part of their ranks since May, shedding light on his relatively recent association with the department. The incident raises pertinent questions about the responsibilities and conduct of officers, both on and off duty.
