The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

November 21, 2012

Belle Plaine officer arrested on suspicion of drunken driving

Associated Press

MAPLETON — An off-duty police officer from southern Minnesota has been arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after a state trooper reported him driving 96 mph on Highway 169.

The Minnesota State Patrol says the man is a 32-year-old Belle Plaine officer. He was stopped Tuesday just before 2:30 a.m. on Highway 169 between Jordan and Belle Plaine.

The Star Tribune reported his identity as Bryan M. Pasek, and according to the newspaper, this is Pasek's second drunk driving arrest, both coming while on the Belle Plaine police force.

The newspaper reported he was arrested in 2003 and charged with a gross misdemeanor, but accepted a deal to plead guilty to a misdemeanor and avoided discipline from the state's peace officer licensing board.

Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske (ROS'-kee) says a preliminary breath test measured the officer's blood-alcohol content at 0.17 percent, or just over twice the legal limit.

The officer was arrested on suspicion of third-degree drunken driving. He was released after posting bond.

City Administrator David Murphy says the officer is on indefinite leave, but wouldn't say whether it was paid or unpaid.

The officer has 10 years with the police department. He declined to comment to the Minneapolis Star Tribune (http://bit.ly/10tkl02 ).

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