Gary Police Corporal Arrested on DUI Charges
Introduction to the Incident
A Gary police corporal was arrested last week on DUI charges, according to the Gary Police Department. What we know about the incident is that Corporal John H. Artibey Jr. was arrested by Indiana State police on Jan. 17 on I-94 in Porter County.
Charges and Leave
Artibey has been charged with one felony count of driving while intoxicated with a prior conviction and a misdemeanor of driving while intoxicated. The Gary Police Department immediately placed Artibey on unpaid leave. He will remain on leave pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings and an internal investigation, the police department said.
John Artibey (Gary Police Department)
Department Statement
"Public trust is the cornerstone of effective policing, and we are committed to preserving it," Gary Police said in a statement. "This incident is not a reflection of the Gary Police Department as a whole, nor does it diminish the hard work our officers do every day to keep our city safe. We will continue to serve with the highest standards and professionalism our community deserves."
The Backstory
In January 2020, Artibey took shrapnel to the chin and abdomen during a shooting at a Gary apartment complex. Gary Police Lt. Dawn Westerfield said the officers were shot while assisting the Merrillville Police Department with a homicide investigation at the complex. Westerfield said the suspect targeted by the investigation barricaded himself in a residence. After two hours of negotiation, the Gary SWAT team sought to enter the residence and the suspect opened fire, striking the two officers. An officer returned fire, killing the shooter.
Related Incident
RELATED: 2 Gary police officers injured after being shot, suspect wanted in connection with homicide killed. Westerfield says Cpl. James Nielsen, a 17-year-old veteran, was shot in the chest, with the bullet deflected by his protective vest, and once in the arm. Cpl. John Artibey, a 14-year- veteran, took shrapnel to the chin and abdomen. Both were being treated and reported in stable condition. The suspect killed, 29-year-old Keenan McCain, was connected to a Merrillville homicide over the weekend. Merrillville police confirmed McCain was wanted in connection to the death of 45-year-old Betty Claudio.
Source of Information
The Source: Details for this story were provided by the Gary Police Department and previous Fox 32 reporting.
Conclusion
The arrest of Corporal John H. Artibey Jr. on DUI charges is a serious matter that affects not only his career but also the public’s trust in the Gary Police Department. The department’s swift action in placing him on unpaid leave and conducting an internal investigation demonstrates their commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
FAQs
- Q: Who was arrested on DUI charges?
A: Gary police corporal John H. Artibey Jr. - Q: Where was Artibey arrested?
A: On I-94 in Porter County. - Q: What charges does Artibey face?
A: One felony count of driving while intoxicated with a prior conviction and a misdemeanor of driving while intoxicated. - Q: What is the status of Artibey’s employment with the Gary Police Department?
A: He has been placed on unpaid leave pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings and an internal investigation. - Q: How has the Gary Police Department responded to the incident?
A: The department has stated its commitment to preserving public trust and upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, emphasizing that the incident does not reflect on the department as a whole.
