CMPD Officer Charged With Driving While Impaired

CHARLOTTE, NC — Officers with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Driving While Impaired (DWI) Task Force have arrested Officer Crystal Washington for DWI.

During the early morning hours of March 11, Washington, an off-duty officer with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, was traveling in the 7100 block of Robinson Church Road where she lost control of her personal vehicle and collided with a sign. The officer did not sustain any injuries and did not injure anyone else. Responding CMPD officers suspected Officer Washington was impaired and immediately notified a supervisor. A DWI Task Force Officer responded to investigate. Officer Washington was arrested for DWI and transported to CMPD Headquarters for further investigation. The CMPD Internal Affairs Division will conduct a separate administrative investigation.

"It is always disheartening when I learn that one of our officers has violated the very laws that we are sworn to uphold. However, professional accountability is a priority for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, and our officers are expected to maintain this standard at all times," said Chief Johnny Jennings.