Muldraugh police officer arrested for allegedly being drunk while on duty

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A police officer was arrested by the Meade County Sheriff's Office on Thursday for allegedly being intoxicated while on duty. Officer Jay Burke of the Muldraugh Police Department was identified during a vandalism investigation when Police Chief Timmy Jackson detected the smell of alcohol on Burke's breath.

After the initial vandalism call, Chief Jackson followed Burke to Muldraugh City Hall and conducted a preliminary breath test that indicated a breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of .077. This prompted further action by law enforcement.

Kentucky State Police arrived at the scene and administered field sobriety tests to Burke, who subsequently took their breathalyzer test. The results showed a higher BrAC of .090, leading to the formal identification of his condition at the time.

Burke now faces serious charges, including reckless driving and operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, which could have significant professional and legal repercussions for the officer.

This incident highlights the ongoing concerns regarding substance abuse among law enforcement personnel, raising questions about the protocols in place to ensure officer accountability and safety while on duty.