Three Officers Charged With DWI in Westchester, NY Last Month

Two police officers and one corrections officer employed by Westchester County in New York were charged with DWI last month. Police Officer Joseph Kraus (left) was suspended with pay after allegedly running a red light and crashing into a police cruiser. Officer Jessica Knatz had to be cut out of her demolished patrol car where she suffered facial and back injuries due to the impact of the crash, according to reports. Apparently, Kraus refused a breath test, but admitted to drinking before the crash.

According to reports, police officer Michael Huffman was charged with DWI and two other traffic violations after a rollover crash on December 11th. He was placed on leave by the county until the investigation is complete.  He was allegedly driving his 2010 Volkswagen Jetta, when he crashed into a guardrail and a fence. In addition to DWI, he was charged with speeding and crossing the double yellow line. Huffman sustained minor scrapes, but was awake and conscious when authorities arrived at the scene.

Patricia Yancy-Johnson, a county corrections officer, was accused of drunk driving after hitting an ambulance from behind. It sounds like Westchester has a very big problem on their hands. It's bad when the people who are paid to keep our streets safe are the very ones who are making them unsafe. The truth is that everyone's judgment is impaired after consuming alcohol. It is a drug that alters the minds of police officers, judges, and senators just as it does you or I.  DUI continues to plague society because the government (which sells liquor) doesn't require ignition interlocks on every new car.