Chicago top cop Eddie Johnson who was not tested for alcohol after being found passed out in his car calls for an investigation on himself
Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson, on Thursday, asked the city's police department to launch an internal investigation after he was found passed out in a car.
A passerby found Johnson in a car parked near a stop sign on Thursday morning and dialed 911.
Johnson, later that evening, held a press conference and clarified his version of events, saying he had pulled over because he had failed to take his blood pressure medication, and felt faint.
The top cop added that he had been out with his friends for dinner but began feeling lightheaded when he was heading home.
Johnson also admitted that, at the time he passed out, the engine of the car was still running.
"Out of abundance of caution, I pulled over to the side and stopped, even though I was relatively close to home. Someone called 911 and reported a person asleep at the stop sign," Johnson said at the conference. "Responding officers did come. They checked on me and confirmed that I could continue on my way. Also, that feeling that I was feeling had passed by that time."
The 59-year-old reportedly underwent kidney transplant surgery in August 2017.
"So I pulled over, stopped, and just rested myself until that feeling passed. I fell asleep... Because, remember, guys, we worked a long day that day," the Superintendent said, adding that he should have considered having a driver with him but he had let his driver go home early to look after his child.
Reports state that when the responding officers arrived at the scene and found Johnson in the car, they did not give him a breathalyzer test.
Johnson, however, defended his officers, saying they are only supposed to conduct the test if the drivers look impaired or if they smell any illegal substance.
"To avoid the appearance of impropriety and just have total transparency, I ordered the Bureau of Internal Affairs to conduct an internal investigation just to be transparent," Johnson said. "As I’ve said before, every officer, regardless of rank, must uphold themselves to the highest of standards, and that includes me."
Police department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi also released a statement saying there were no charges of intoxication in the case.