On-Duty Colorado State Trooper David Dolan Accused of Driving Drunk

(March 23) -- An on-duty Colorado State Patrol trooper was pulled over in his marked patrol car Monday and arrested on suspicion of drunken driving after several concerned citizens called 911 to report he was driving erratically.

"Devastated" is how Col. James Wolfinbarger, chief of the CSP, described the arrest of David Dolan at a press conference.

"This badge has meaning. This badge represents 75 years of a strict enforcement of Colorado laws [and] protecting people. I'm devastated," Wolfinbarger said.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office says it received the first of numerous calls about the incident at about 7 a.m. Monday. Those calls were initially transferred to the CSP, but a few minutes later the CSP contacted the Sheriff's Department and asked for help locating the vehicle.

"You're looking for a marked ... state patrol unit," a CSP dispatcher reported over police airways. "We've got several calls. Need to check his welfare."

Shortly after the request for assistance was made, a Douglas County deputy spotted Dolan's cruiser on the C-470 beltway. A traffic stop was then initiated near South Platte Canyon Road.

"After contacting the driver, who was confirmed to be a Colorado State trooper in full uniform, he was taken into custody for investigation of driving under the influence of alcohol," reads a CSP press release.

Dolan's arrest was captured on video by a local news station.

"The images that you see on television like that are tough to explain," Wolfinbarger said.

As difficult as the situation is, Wolfinbarger said he is grateful that other drivers took the initiative to call in and report the incident. "[They] helped a very bad situation from turning tragic," he said.

At the time of his arrest, Dolan was reportedly en route from the Colorado Springs barracks to an academy in Golden. Wolfinbarger said he is uncertain what business Dolan had there.

"I don't know why he was going there," Wolfinbarger told The Denver Post. "He was not on routine patrol."

Dolan was booked into the Douglas County Jail on charges of driving under the influence and prohibited use of weapons. The weapons charge stems from a Colorado law that prohibits the possession of a firearm while intoxicated. He is free on bond.

According to Wolfinbarger, Dolan, 48, is a 21-year veteran of CSP. He is assigned to the Colorado Springs unit, where his duties include accident reconstruction and background investigations on individuals who have enrolled in the Colorado State Patrol Academy.

As a result of his arrest, Dolan has been placed on unpaid leave, pending an internal investigation. Following that investigation, a hearing will be held, at which time Dolan could be terminated.