DETROIT (WWJ) -- A Detroit Police commander has been charged with a pair of misdemeanors after a car crash while drunk in his department car over the weekend.
Johnny Alfred Thomas, 48, a Commander in Detroit's Third Precinct, allegedly got in a car accident just before 1 a.m. Saturday while intoxicated and in possession of his department-issued firearm, prosecutors say. His blood alcohol content was .18 at the scene -- more than twice the legal limit.
Prosecutors say Thomas crashed his department car into a truck sitting at a red light at the intersection of St. Antoine Street and Mack Avenue. The collision caused the truck to hit a third vehicle, which then left the scene before authorities arrived to the scene.
The 48-year-old driver of the truck was taken to a nearby hospital and released several hours later.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Thomas with Operating While Impaired – Operating with a High BAC above 0.17 and Possession of a Firearm while Under the Influence. Both are misdemeanors and carry a 180 and 93-day penalties, respectively.
Detroit Police Chief James Craig tells WWJ he has stripped Thomas of his commander duties and placed him on restricted duties, but has not yet decided his future.
Thomas is expected to turn himself in for processing Wednesday morning. His arraignment was scheduled for noon in 36th District Court downtown Detroit, but the courthouse is closed Wednesday and Thursday due to extreme cold. It is unclear when the arraignment will take place.
