KCRA in Sacramento reports that the California Highway Patrol has arrested a West Sacramento Police Department officer for driving under the influence of alcohol on Saturday.
Officials with the West Sacramento Police Department confirmed that Officer Raymond Barrantes was arrested just before noon on Saturday, September 30. Barrantes was spotted by a San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department behind the wheel and driving in a manner consistent with an intoxicated driver.
Barrantes was arrested and booked into the San Joaquin Jail in French Camp. He was later released on bond.
West Sacramento Police Department officials confirmed that Barrantes received an award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in 2015 for having the most DUI arrests the previous year.
The law enforcement agency also said that Barrantes was not driving a city-owned vehicle at the time of his arrest.
MADD law enforcement liaison Lori Bergenstock said that the organization awards officers in various departments every year for their assistance in keeping DUI drivers off the road.
“I’m surprised constantly by who gets drunk driving arrests,” Bergenstock told KCRA reporter Orko Manna. “One of the things we know is drunk driving is an across-the-board issue. Unfortunately … it hits every work situation.”
Police Chief Robert Strange said in a statement:
“This conduct is not in alignment with our Department’s Core Values. While this officer has fallen short, we will, as a Department, continue to work towards our mission to serve with honor and professionalism, in partnership with the community, to enhance the quality of life in West Sacramento.:
Officer Barrantes is currently on paid administrative leave while the Department’s internal affairs division investigates the matter.
