A recent accident involving an off-duty law enforcement officer illustrates the fact that anyone, no matter how powerful or responsible, can find themselves in trouble after being careless on the road. A sheriff's command officer from Macomb County, Michigan, is under investigation in his department for drunk driving in light of an accident last week that inflicted minor injuries on the officer and two passengers--the officer's brother and his son.

No charges have been filed in the case. The Macomb County sheriff said a blood sample from the officer had been sent to the Michigan State Police Crime Laboratory. If it comes back showing the 45-year-old officer was intoxicated, he could be charged formally with drunk driving.

The accident happened as the man drove himself and his passengers home after a bachelor party. For reasons that have yet to be determined, the officer lost control of the car and it crashed. Although the car rolled over, it appears that everyone in the car was wearing a seat belt.

Not only might the officer face criminal prosecution, but he could face internal department sanctions, which could potentially involve termination, according to the sheriff. One person near to the case says the officer has been apologizing to his colleagues in the department for his alleged missteps. He has a spotless driving record and the sheriff said the officer was a good worker. He has been restricted to desk duty since he has returned to work, pending the outcome of his department's investigation.

Source: Daily Tribune, "Macomb County deputy rolls car, may have been drunk," Mitch Hotts, Jan. 26, 2012