Police officer in Croatia suspended after causing drunk driving accident

(Patria) - A traffic accident with material damage occurred last night around 7:15 PM on a section of Croatian state road number 50/II, in the village of Janjče.

The accident happened when a 56-year-old officer of the Lika-Senj Police Administration, off-duty, was driving an official car under the influence of alcohol (1.16 g/kg).

Upon exiting a sharp, blind curve onto a straight stretch of road, he lost control of the car due to not driving in the middle of the marked traffic lane and veered off the road to the right, below the level of the carriageway.

He then hit a directional post marking the edge of the road, and then a tree.

In accordance with the Police Act, for misconduct in or out of service that severely damages the reputation of the police, the police officer, who is also a manager in the Lika-Senj Police Administration, has been suspended from duty by a Decision of the Head of the Lika-Senj Police Administration.

A request for the initiation of disciplinary proceedings will be filed against him.

"We emphasize that the Lika-Senj Police Administration will continue to consistently implement the principle of absolute intolerance towards any illegal or inappropriate behavior of police officers, primarily for the sake of our fellow citizens, but also for police officers who perform their duties professionally, lawfully, and responsibly," announced the Lika-Senj Police Administration.