LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Jefferson County Public Schools officer resigned after being arrested, accused of passing out while intoxicated in the drive-thru of a local McDonalds, then hiding pills and alcohol from police.
Christopher Minniear was arrested Monday just before 10:30 p.m.
According to an arrest citation, employees of the restaurant on Third Street Road in Louisville's Auburndale neighborhood reported an intoxicated individual was driving while actively drinking alcohol in the drive-thru.
Employees also said he appeared to have passed out and was sitting in the drive-thru line for an hour without moving.
Once on scene, police found Minniear on Bruce Street, parked across multiple parking spots. When officers approached him, the arrest citation said he immediately opened the driver's side door and "poured out a dark brown liquid that was in a cup" believed to be alcohol.
Police said Minniear started "acting erratic" as police approached and was "moving around inside of the vehicle." When officers asked him what he was doing, Minniear reportedly told them he was "urinating in the cup" and poured out what police believe was alcohol.Â
When Minniear exited the vehicle, he told police he had one shot of alcohol "earlier," however his actions made officers believe he was under the influence of "other substances," according to an arrest report.
While searching the vehicle, police found a large liquor botte of dark liquid in the passenger floorboard where Minniear was reaching. Police said the bottle was "partially consumed" and matched the color of the liquid Minniear had poured out.
Witnesses at the scene told police he had also been drinking beer. He denied having the beer to police, but an empty can was found in the center console arm rest of the vehicle.Â
The arrest citation also said Minniear told officers he had prescription medication in the vehicle. Once they searched, they found six pills, hydrocodone and Ambien, hidden in a McDonalds burger box. Minniear then reportedly told police they were not prescribed, and submitted to a breathalyzer test that showed his blood alcohol content was .019.
Police believe Minniear tried to hide the alcohol and medication to avoid detection. He was operating an official government vehicle and had gear in the backseat, the arrest report stated.
Minniear was arraigned in court on charges of possession of an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle, tampering with physical evidence, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and a count of not properly containing a controlled substance.Â
He's scheduled to appear back in court next month. A spokesperson for JCPS confirmed to WDRB News that Minniear had resigned.
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