A veteran Edinburg Police Department patrolman, whose job it is to crack down on drunk drivers, found himself under arrest in McAllen on a similar charge.
Adan Oscar Bocanegra was charged with DWI following a traffic stop along the 8400 block of North 23rd Street early Thursday morning.
Bocanegra claimed he had just two beers, according to the arresting officer's report.
That same report stated he failed 3 field sobriety tests, slurred his speech and had a noticeable scent of alcohol on him before he was placed under arrest.
Police records also indicated that Bocanegra blew a 0.172 on a breathalyzer test at the McAllen Police Department.
The police department’s interim chief, Peter De La Garza, was shocked to learn of his arrest.
Reporter: "To have an officer who for 15 years goes out, does arrests to safeguard the public from drunk drivers... and now to be facing a serious DWI charge... With a blood alcohol level of more than twice the legal limit... is that embarrassing for the department?"
Chief: "Yes it is. I'm pretty sure it's embarrassing to him too... And the department."
Bocanegra will be placed on suspension without pay pending the outcome of the investigation, according to the interim chief.
De La Garza hopes this unfortunate incident serves as a reminder to other officers that nobody is above the law.
"We don't tolerate it," he said. "The law's the law."
Bocanegra is free on bond.
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