Ohio State Highway Patrol release footage of Cleveland Officer in uniform arrested for drunk driving
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Cleveland, OH - Video released shows a Cleveland police officer was arrested for driving drunk with a gun in a car, while still considered in uniform.
The chief’s office told us officer Steven Schmitz was not on the job, but what he wore put him in the category of “off duty in police uniform.”
In the wee hours of Saturday morning, the Ohio State Highway Patrol stopped a vehicle on Interstate 90 in Lorain County. A trooper clocked that driver going nearly 30 miles over the speed limit.
The state patrol identified the man behind the wheel as Cleveland Police Fourth District Officer Steven Schmitz.
On the patrol body camera video, you can see the driver had patches on both shoulders with the Cleveland Police logo.
The trooper says, “I’m gonna have to take you in, OK?” The driver answers, “Seriously?” The trooper continues with, “For alcohol. 150%. I’m not even lying to you.”
The trooper asked, “What time did you get off?” Schmitz said, “Technically, 3 a.m. I work the nightclub.”
The trooper then said, “You work the nightclub? Were you drinking at all?” You see Schmitz shake his head, indicating, “No.”
Video shows the officer had worked at a nightclub in the Warehouse District.
He refused to take a breath test or do other sobriety testing. Yet, he finally admitted he had been drinking.
The trooper asked, “How much did you drink?” The video shows Schmitz indicating two drinks.
Cleveland police said they hired Schmitz in 2009. Now, he’s been placed on unpaid leave. Records show he got arrested for speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol and improper handling of a firearm. Investigators believe he drove drunk with a gun in the car.
In fact, the trooper can be heard saying, “And your weapon’s in the car?” Schmitz responded, “Yeah.”
Defense attorney Henry Hilow told us he’s still gathering facts. He entered a plea of not guilty for the officer.
We’ve reported on Schmitz before. His driving record shows he was convicted in 2016 in a case involving physical control and driving under the influence. His record shows four accidents.
The trooper video also shows Schmitz begged for a ticket instead of getting taken to jail.
“Based off your speeds, odor of alcoholic beverage, and all of that stuff,” the trooper said. Schmitz interrupted with, “Please write me for speeding.” But the trooper said, “Nope, ain’t gonna work like that. Gotta take you in, OK?”