Police officer arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated

By Twincitieslocalnews staff

A Lawrence police officer was arrested Saturday night for allegedly driving while intoxicated in Hancock County.

Online court records show 40-year-old Stuart Bishop, of Greenfield, is charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

A Greenfield police officer was on patrol June 20 and observed a dark-colored Chevy Silverado fail to use a turn signal at the intersection of North State Street and Muskegon Drive. Court documents say the officer also watched the truck cross all traffic lanes and onto the right shoulder, before realizing it wasn't in an actual lane of travel and merge back onto the road.

The officer also said the truck did not stop fully before turning right at a red light.

After the officer pulled over the driver of the truck, court documents say the officer noticed the smell of alcohol emitting from the driver, later identified as Bishop. The officer also said in court documents that Bishop's eyes were red and glossy, and his speech was slurred.

A handgun was also sitting in the center console next to Bishop, according to court documents, and a beer can was in the driver's door panel. Court documents say Bishop later told the officer the can was old and not from that night.

Court documents say after another officer arrived, Bishop was asked if he had anything to drink, to which he said he had a couple of drinks. The officer said in court documents that Bishop consented to a field sobriety test, and during the test, the officer said Bishop showed signs of impairment. Court documents say the officer also administered a preliminary breath test, which registered alcohol on Bishop's breath.

Initially, court documents say Bishop consented to a chemical test, but upon learning it would be a blood draw, court documents say Bishop then refused, and the officer had to obtain a warrant.

The Lawrence Police Department confirmed Bishop was placed on administrative leave following his arrest.