SLC police officer on administrative leave after DUI arrest, injuring driver
Jan 2, 2023, 3:45 PM
FILE (Salt Lake City Police Department)
(Salt Lake City Police Department)
SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake City police officer has been placed on administrative leave after he was arrested in Ogden on suspicion of driving under the influence and injuring another driver.
The officer, identified in arresting documents as 37-year-old Thomas Caygle, was arrested Friday after he crashed his truck into another car.
“After both drivers moved their vehicles off the roadway, Thomas and the other driver began to argue at which point witnesses say Thomas got into his truck, put the truck in drive and drove into the rear of the vehicle, pinning the other driver’s legs between his truck and the other vehicle,” the documents stated.
The driver was eventually taken to the hospital for treatment.
According to arresting documents, Caygle — who was described by witnesses as having slurred speech and difficulty balancing — admitted to drinking alcohol prior to the crash.
Police said Caygle was placed under arrest and submitted to a blood draw after he failed the HGN and Nine Step Walk and Turn tests. He was then taken to the Weber County Jail and booked for DUI and negligently operating a vehicle, causing injury.
“At the time of the arrest, the officer was off-duty, driving a personal vehicle, and not acting as a Salt Lake City Police Department employee,” read a statement Monday afternoon from the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Once SLCPD learned of the arrest, Caygle was placed on administrative leave and an internal investigation was opened.
The following statement was released by SLCPD Chief Mike Brown:
Our community expects the very best of its police officers at all times, including when off-duty and on personal time. We strive to exceed those expectations every day. In reviewing the information and materials I’ve received so far, I am concerned and disappointed by this incident, which does not align with our core values and expectations. Following the conclusion of our internal investigation, any violation of department policy will result in prompt and full accountability.
