A Berwyn police officer is facing serious allegations after reportedly driving under the influence and crashing his patrol car. This incident has led to the officer being stripped of his police duties while an investigation is underway. Notably, the officer’s K-9 companion fled the scene following the accident.
The crash occurred last month in North Riverside, sparking a thorough inquiry into the circumstances. According to the police report, the officer’s blood alcohol concentration was significantly higher than the legal limit. Footage from police body cameras documented the aftermath of the incident, providing crucial evidence.
The authorities were called to the scene shortly after 2 a.m. on December 29. Responding officers discovered the Berwyn patrol vehicle had collided with a utility pole at the intersection of Des Plaines Avenue and Country Club Lane.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
Surveillance footage from a nearby camera captured the crash as it happened, showing the impact that deployed the vehicle’s airbags. This video evidence is expected to play a key role as the investigation progresses.
It was after 2 a.m. on December 29 when North Riverside officers responded to a Berwyn police vehicle that crashed into a utility pole at Des Plaines Avenue and Country Club Lane.
Minutes earlier, a surveillance camera captured the crash, with the impact causing the vehicle’s airbag to go off.
Behind the wheel was a Berwyn officer. K-9 Officer Romeo, who was in the vehicle, ran from the crash.
The Berwyn cop could heard on video calling for the dog in vain.
The officer was taken to a hospital for treatment, and North Riverside Police arrested and cited him for DUI. ABC7 has blurred his face in the video because he hasn’t been formally charged.
A police report says his blood alcohol level was 0.12, well above the 0.08 limit.
In a statement, Berwyn Police said, “The accused officer has been relieved of police powers… and is the subject of an ongoing internal affairs investigation… The men and women of the Berwyn Police Department are committed to serving with integrity, accountability, and transparency…”
It’s unclear if the Berwyn officer was on duty, but he was seen in an ambulance wearing a Chicago Bears jersey.
Officers removed a gun from the center console of his police vehicle.
After the crash, North Riverside officers searched for K-9 Romeo in the snow for several minutes but couldn’t find him. Police say he was later found and is doing well and has been at several recent community events.
The accused officer did not respond to ABC7’s request for comment. He’s scheduled to appear in court for that DUI arrest later this month.
Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
