An officer with the Newnan Police Department was fired after he crashed his vehicle Friday on his way to work and was charged with driving under the influence, authorities said.
Richard Gosch was arrested by the Georgia State Patrol after he wrecked his department-issued vehicle in an area along Ga. 54 just south of Sharpsburg about 6:35 p.m., police said.
Gosch was traveling faster than the posted speed limit and was distracted in his vehicle when negotiating a left curve, according to GSP spokesperson Franka Young. Gosch’s vehicle left the road onto the westbound shoulder, and law enforcement at the scene determined he was under the influence of alcohol and he agreed to take a breath test, Young said.
“We want our community to know that the Newnan Police Department strives to hold our officers to the highest standards possible,” Newnan police Chief Brent Blankenship said. “Unfortunately in this situation, those standards were not met and the officer was held accountable for their actions. Our community deserves the best and we will continue to hold our officers accountable for their actions each and every day.”
Gosch was initially hired by Newnan police in January 2014. He began working for another agency in November 2016 and was rehired by Newnan police in May.
“The Newnan Police Department recognizes the seriousness of this charge and an initial review led to the determination that policy violations occurred and the officer was terminated,” the department said.
Gosch was taken to the Meriwether County Detention Center. In addition to DUI, he is charged with failure to maintain lane.
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