OFF THE WIREh
http://www.news10.net/news/article/137015/2/Rancho-Cordova-CHP-capt-busted-in-suspected-DUI-motorcycle-crash
PLACERVILLE, CA - An off-duty captain with the California Highway Patrol has been arrested for suspected drunken driving after crashing his Harley-Davidson motorcycle in El Dorado County.
A CHP accident report obtained by News10 shows Robert D. Patrick, 47, was arrested late Friday night before being released for treatment of moderate injuries at Sutter Roseville Medical Center.
CHP Collision Report
According to the report, Patrick was riding a 2008 Harley-Davidson Fatboy southbound on Mt. Aukum Road south of Fairplay Road when he failed to negotiate a curve. The motorcycle traveled onto the dirt shoulder and overturned.
The report said that due to Patrick's level of injuries, his level of sobriety was undetermined and subject to further investigation. Patrick was released from the hospital Saturday.
Patrick is a 25-year CHP veteran and commander of special operations at the CHP's Valley Division office in Rancho Cordova, according to CHP Asst. Chief Ken Hill, who is Patrick's immediate boss.
Hill told News10 the investigating officers gave Patrick no special courtesy because of his position.
"I can assure you we handled it the way we would with any citizen. There was no preferential treatment," Hill said.
Hill said an internal CHP investigation was underway in addition to the criminal case that will be handled by the El Dorado County District Attorney.
Hill said appropriate action would be taken at the conclusion, but that a DUI conviction would not necessarily end Patrick's career with the CHP..
by George Warren, GWarren@news10.net