LMPD Officer still on the job after setting off SWAT standoff, driving drunk

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A Louisville Metro Police officer who admitted damaging his cruiser while driving intoxicated and shooting his weapon during a SWAT standoff at his home was not charged and remains on the job, according to records obtained by WDRB.

Metro Police Officer Timothy Boling ran into a curb while driving intoxicated on June 24, 2013 – one of two times he admitted driving his cruiser after drinking.

Later that year, a SWAT team was called to Boling's home after he sent text messages to a woman showing him holding a gun to his chest and head.

Major Don Burbrink, the Commander of Special Investigations, said "Apparently the officer had some problems with his girlfriend. There were some conversations back and forth and some texting back and forth."

During the two-hour standoff on September 9th of last year Boling fired his weapon at the ground before falling asleep with the gun on his lap. He was taken to University Hospital and involuntarily hospitalized, police said.

Earlier this year, Boling was suspended for 30 days and ordered to attend AA meetings each week for two years.

Police say Boling was not charged for driving while intoxicated because the department did not learn about it until after it occurred.

Major Burbrink said citizens who saw Boling drinking that night came forward to tell police they had seen him drive off in his cruiser. Boling then acknowledged he had driven while intoxicated and struck a curb, slightly damaging his cruiser.

And a criminal investigation of the incident in which Boling fired his gun during a SWAT situation was turned over to the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office, which declined to press charges, Burbrink said.

Commonwealth's Attorney Tom Wine said Boling shot into the ground and fell asleep with his gun in his lap.

“There was no third party that was in danger,” Wine said, explaining why Boling wan not charged with wanton endangerment.

Police Chief Steve Conrad said he decided not to fire Boling because the officer had been struggling with alcohol abuse and problems in his personal life but was seeking help.

“There are times I believe people should be given a second chance when they are doing what they can to overcome problems,” Conrad said. “In this situation, he is doing what he needs to do.”

Conrad also pointed out that Boling has been with the department since 2000 and that a psychiatrist who evaluated Boling told the department his problems stemmed from alcohol abuse.

Boling has since stayed sober and responded well to treatment, Conrad said. Boling is on limited duty and cannot make arrests though he can carry a weapon. He is also no longer allowed a take-home cruiser.

“This officer is a human like anyone else,” Conrad said. “I would never leave an officer on this department or in this community if I didn't believe they were able to do the kind of job people expect.”

Boling did not return a request for comment left through a department spokesperson.