Grayslake Police Chief Charged with DUI in Wisconsin

Grayslake police chief, Matt McCutcheon, was charged with DUI in Wisconsin. The charges came about after his involvement in a car accident while returning from a restaurant just over the state line with his wife. McCutcheon was turning onto Route 46 in Silver Lake when he allegedly struck a car on the highway around 10 p.m. on March 30, 2012. No one was injured in either vehicle.

McCutcheon was found by responding officers standing on the road when they arrived. The officers reported he appeared “dazed and confused.” McCutcheon was allegedly swaying and almost lost his balance as he pulled out his wallet, and showed his badge. McCutcheon lifted up his shirt and revealed to officers he was carrying a 9mm handgun with seven rounds in it, one of them in the chamber. Kenosha County deputy, William Soppe, reportedly could smell a strong odor of intoxicants coming from his breath. McCutcheons speech was slurred, his eyes were bloodshot and very glossy. McCutcheon told officers he had a few beers with dinner. However, he and his wife later admitted he had three vodka martinis.

Witnesses claim McCutcheon had been driving erratically before the accident, they could hear the tires of his car squeal as he made a sharp turn onto the highway. Another witness stated “the driver of the Honda was speeding up and slowing down multiple times.” Other witnesses said “it appeared the Honda made a last-minute decision to make the turn.”

McCutcheon refused a sobriety tests, was taken to Aurora Hospital where a blood sample was drawn, and later taken to Kenosha County Jail. McCutcheon was named the permanent replacement for the former Grayslake police chief just two months ago after a nationwide search drew 120 applications.

Grayslake police chief placed on paid leave after DUI charge, www.chicagotribune.com, April 6, 2012 Grayslake Police Chief Cited for DUI in Wisconsin, www.nbcchicago.com, April 4, 2012