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Nashville Police Officer Arrested on DUI, Firearm Charges After Driving to Work Intoxicated
A veteran Metro Nashville Police Department officer was arrested Wednesday morning after arriving at work with a blood alcohol concentration nearly 40% above the legal limit and a firearm in his possession, authorities said.
A veteran Metro Nashville Police Department officer was arrested Wednesday morning after driving to work intoxicated and carrying a firearm, according to department officials.
John Vrbas, 39, an 11-year veteran assigned to the Midtown Hills Precinct, arrived at work showing signs of intoxication, police said. Investigators reported smelling alcohol on him.
A breath test measured Vrbas's blood alcohol concentration at 0.11%, above Tennessee's legal driving limit of 0.08%.
He was charged with driving under the influence and possessing a firearm while under the influence. The department immediately decommissioned him, removing his police authority pending the outcome of the case.
The investigation is ongoing. No additional details about the circumstances of his arrest or the firearm were immediately released.
Tennessee law prohibits the possession of a firearm by anyone who is intoxicated. The charge against Vrbas carries potential criminal penalties and could affect his employment with the department.
The arrest marks a rare instance of a Nashville officer being taken into custody on alcohol-related charges while reporting for duty. Department policy generally requires officers to be fit for duty and prohibits carrying weapons while impaired.
Vrbas has been with the department since approximately 2015. Further disciplinary action will be determined as the criminal case proceeds.