Oct. 29--A Park Ridge police officer was charged with driving under the influence after he crashed into a utility pole in the northwest suburb this weekend, police said.
Kevin Ryan, 39, was charged with DUI, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident, driving off the roadway, improper lane usage and driving without a seat belt, said Lou Jogmen, deputy police chief.
Ryan hit a pole near Belle Plaine Avenue and Canfield Road about 3:50 a.m. Sunday, police said.
Ryan had worked as a school resource officer at Maine East a few years ago, but most recently worked the day shift as a patrol officer, Chief Frank Kaminski said.
He was given a certificate of appreciation for seven years of dedication and service as the school resource officer, according to a December 2011 newsletter distributed by the police department.
"I've put him on administrative leave and we'll start an internal investigation," Kaminski said. "I'm extremely disappointed and embarrassed. I expect our officers to be positive role models. These things dishonor our badge and he will be held accountable, and I apologize to the Park Ridge community for his accident."
Ryan was alone at the time of the accident and no one else was injured, according to Kaminski. The officer refused a breathalyzer test and blood was drawn at a hospital, Kaminski said.
Ryan posted $1,000 bail after he was taken to an area hospital for injuries, Jogmen said. Ryan, of the 7700 block of Norwood Street in Chicago, is due in court Nov. 20.
