Spokane7
65°
April 1, 2011 in City, Idaho
Spokane Co. deputy arrested for drunken driving in CdA
Daniel P. Knight’s booking photo at the Kootenai County Jail.
(Full-size photo)
The lead firearms instructor for the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving last weekend in Coeur d’Alene.
Deputy Daniel Knight, 42, had a blood-alcohol level of 0.19 and 0.188 during breath tests administered after his arrest early Sunday. The legal limit for driving is .08.
Knight is on his scheduled days off but will remain on patrol pending the outcome of the criminal case, said Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich.
The misdemeanor charge carries up to six months in jail, a $1,000 fine and driver’s license suspension for up to 150 days.
“We’re waiting for the criminal process to finish and then we’ll hand out the disciplinary action,” Knezovich said. “It appears to be a standard DUI arrest. He cooperated fully and it’s just one of those things that I would never have really expected from a deputy of Dan’s quality.”
Coeur d’Alene police Officer Jared Reneau said he was about to turn into the police substation on Fourth Street and Foster Avenue when he noticed a silver truck driving an estimated 40 mph on Fourth, where the speed limit is 25 mph.
Reneau caught up with the truck and noticed it drifting “from side to side” in the lane before turning right onto East Margaret Avenue and crossing the center lane.
Reneau stopped the truck in the 600 block of East Margaret about 12:10 a.m.
Reneau said Knight smelled of alcohol, and his eyes “were extremely bloodshot and watery”
Knight said he had a “couple of beers” and seemed to have a difficult time removing his identification, according to a police report.
Knight “nearly lost his balance” while exiting his truck and had difficulty maintaining his balance during field sobriety tests.
He arrived at the police station about 12:34 a.m., where he submitted the two breath samples.
He was booked into jailed for drunken driving and released on $500 bond. He pleaded not guilty to a misdemeanor driving under the influence charge on Monday.
Knight, who lives in Coeur d’Alene, was hired by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office in August 2006 and patrols unincorporated areas of Spokane County.
As lead firearms instructor, he teaches training courses and is one of several who reviews officer-involved shootings.
Knight is charged as a first-time drunken driving suspect. If convicted, he’ll be prohibited from driving for at least 30 days or as many as 150. After 30, defendants can request restricted driving privileges for employment or family health needs.
Knezovich had previously said that he would no longer sign waivers to allow deputies convicted for drunken driving to operate patrol cars while their licenses are suspended. But he said Friday that the policy change hasn’t gone into effect yet because he’s still in negotiations with the deputies union, so it won’t apply to Knight.
Human trafficking suspects released 
jddavis on April 01 at 5:37 p.m.
Innocent until proven guily, of course. Let’s see if the Blue Line extends all the way to CDA from Spokane.
Kivaari on April 01 at 5:46 p.m.
He will get the same treatment given to any other DUI. If this is his first offense, and his driving record is good, he should see a deferred sentence. A first time DUI (I am guessing it is a first time offense) is normally met with a deferral for one year. Then the charge is dropped to negligent driving first degree (if Idaho is like WA.). I can only use my WA generalities, since I haven’t followed how Idaho does this. Either way it will be a significant issue in his personnel record. Depending on how the court views this, he can expect serious trouble at his agency. If he has kept his other activities controlled, he will probably remain hired.
oneanddone on April 01 at 7:24 p.m.
This is too much “do as I say, not as I do.” As statistics say, a drunk driver does so many, many times before they’re caught. Cops expect to be given a pass when they break the law. I remember well my dad who ALWAYS made sure his badge came out when he got stopped for speeding. Hang the SOB before he kills some kid.
Albert on April 01 at 7:31 p.m.
We The People of course cannot expect LEO’s to be held to any degree of accountability, nor integrity, thus the ongoing reports of drunken LEO’s. Here is a fellow who is trained, (perhaps), to observe DUI’s and act accordingly. Where is the training when he can’t stand up without falling over - whereupon getting behind the wheel and jeopardizing public safety. Thank goodness nobody was hit, injured, or killed by his lack of professional integrity. Oh yes good citizens, he’s still on patrol, armed, and arresting DUI’s - hypocrisy to the max. Typical.
Just a passing thought for clarification please…was this the same fellow who was recently involved with a poaching episode? His name rings a bell.
lewis8457 on April 01 at 8:11 p.m.
How good of an officer can he be if he gets behind the wheel when he is drunk?
It would be interesting to know how many of our local cops live in Idaho.
How the heck can a cop still be allowed to operate a patrol car with a suspended license? When did our federal and justice systems allow illegal actions to go unchecked even with in police procedures?
They can justifiably kill someone by screaming self defense, they can drunk and drive because the unions allow them to drive with a suspended license.
That is ripe get arrested for driving with a suspended license by a cop with a suspended license. Kind of like get shot in the chest 3 times for carrying a gun on your own property. Self defense, self defense!
Kivaari on April 01 at 8:54 p.m.
Lewis, The department will not allow an officer to drive with a suspended license. Unions have no control over the DMV actions. If an officers license is suspended the department MAY allow them to work in a non-driving position. It’s not a sure thing. Just like any other citizen the officer will get treated the same. Difference being, most private citizens will not face dismissal, suspension of work and wages. In a small department a DUI can mean a firing because they don’t have the capacity to temporarily reassign the offender. It is always worse for a cop to get a DUI. The court and DMV will treat them like any other driver. Department sanctions will be harsh compared to your average janitor. The feds have NO control over a state issue. Driving is a state issue. Who was shot three times for carrying a gun on their property? Creach was shot once after he failed to obey a lawful command. You don’t mean him do you? Dodd was in the street charging the officer.
Kivaari on April 01 at 9:03 p.m.
Albert, How do you come up with the idea that the officer will not be held accountable? If you were arrested for DUI, do you think you would make news? Would you see your picture in the paper and on TV? I find it very odd that you claim he will not face sanctions. With similar cases the officer will be treated just like any other person. I don’t know Idaho’s method. In WA, if this is a first offense he would normally get a deferred sentence. After one year without more issues the charge is reduced to negligent driving 1st. Unless you are required to drive in a civilian job, you don’t normally face firing, suspension, loss of pay, demotion or a return to probation. Cops get punished far more then your average janitor or clerk at WalMart.
Albert on April 01 at 9:19 p.m.
Kivaari, I stated that the officer(s) lack personal accountability based upon their training and responsibility. They of all people should have the personal ethics to NOT drive under the influence. My statement is based upon training and professional ethics, which of course, does not exist with the SO, or SPD. Recent history contains vast amounts of documentation to support this statement. Your statement pertaining to the adverse publicity that accompanies a LEO’s booking is correct. This is again due to the higher degree of responsibility that is expected by the citizens for LEO’s. We both, as former LEO’s know this to be true, thus there can be no excuse for this action.
As you referenced, the legal process pertaining to this DUI, is a template matter, however LEO’s do - as again recent history will document - lesser penalties/punishment. This is a given and not open for debate.
PlanB on April 01 at 10:17 p.m.
So long as Knight is treated the same as any other person, I have no issue with this.I admire him agreeing to a breath test, but pleading not guilty is sickening.
My son got a DUI some time ago, he pleaded guilty, and was not offered any reduced or deferred sentence. I guess it pays to lie as much as possible.
What gets me is Knezovich’ backtracking on his ‘policy’. I bet he would not extend the same tolerance to a non-LEO.
SeeRed on April 01 at 11:57 p.m.
Officers should never be given the same treatment as normal citizens, they should be held to a much higher standard. Just like we hold teachers to a higher standard. It is sickening to hear that an officer was more than twice the legal limit. Shame on him and anyone who would defend his actions. Yep, that means you Kivaari!
lewis8457 on April 02 at 6:59 a.m.
Kavaari
Knezovich had previously said that he would no longer sign waivers to allow deputies convicted for drunken driving to operate patrol cars while their licenses are suspended. But he said Friday that the policy change hasn’t gone into effect yet because he’s still in negotiations with the deputies union,
so Ozzie has signed wavers to allow cops with suspended license to operate patrol cars there it is in black and white.
Now try to tell us all again he will be treated the same as any f us.
Most of us would be fired if we missed work do to being in jail for a DUI.
Orange on April 02 at 7:02 a.m.
coswill, quit that.
People are people. He is innocent until proven (yeah, his eyes are plastered) quilty. However, police need to start setting a good example. Can’t believe this is still going on in Spokane.
Do other cities have this increasing problem of police breaking the law. Is this only in Spokane? Are our police forces under greater stress these days?
force_vector on April 02 at 8:18 a.m.
Yes Orange, shooting innocent people on their own property and stalking surface streets for those who dare to go over the speed limit by 2 mph is VERY stressful. Drunken driving is required to decompress after such arduous days. It’s calming to swerve back and forth across lanes at speed. Kind of like watching waves roll onto the beach with a corona in your hand.
bszottlinger on April 02 at 8:23 a.m.
Innocent until proven guilty, but even if Officer Knight made a terrible mistake it wasn’t unlike the same mistake citizens make over and over again. If he did make a mistake he will be punished, and perhaps more then the average citizen. But if one were to look at the issue of law enforcement integrity take a good look at the officer who made the arrest. That officer had the opportunity to treat one of his own completely different from the average citizen and make arrangements for Officer Knight to park his vehicle and either drive him home or have him make arrangements to have someone come and get him. The arresting officer had the integrity to do the right thing.
Cops aren’t any different then anyone else, they make mistakes, and as far as the Sheriff is concerned he can’t just fire the guy without the risk of considerable repercussions based on established employment law, the same laws that protect any member of the public in the same situation.
Orange is right it looks like something is going on well beyond media accounts that needs to be fixed, whether it is a matter of dealing with the stress burdens associated with being a police officer or some other issue associated with the job that needs addressing.
force_vector on April 02 at 8:37 a.m.
“or some other issue associated with the job that needs addressing”
The “issue” appears to be a lack of discipline coupled with a sense of authority beyond what the law allows. When to protect and serve morphs into a desire to instill fear in all to gain compliance from those who break the law, we have a serious problem. Think back to High School, when the jocks would roam the halls between classes trying to intimidate anyone who was in their vicinity. Now imagine those same idiots with a badge and a gun. Yep, there’s your police force.
D Statler on April 02 at 9:37 a.m.
It was a good thing this happened in Idaho. He would have been let go for sure if it was on this side of the state line. Even a janitor knows not to drink and drive! Funny how the union is blamed for Ozzie’s lack of real leadership.It seems past practices need a solmn review. It also seems Ozzie may need some leadership courses. I too believe this officer should be fired as an example immediately after proven guilty.Maybe the rest of the force would get the idea.Good work Officer Reneau.Be careful speeding in Spokane for a year or so :^)
Elkay on April 02 at 9:38 a.m.
force_vector,
Just so you know, sarcasm is a low form of wit. But you need wit in your blogs, first, before trying to apply sarcasm.
Ron_the_Cop on April 02 at 12:51 p.m.
Ooophs.
Yes I agree with BDZ re the officer making the arrest - he was doing his job. Yes there are underlying stresses of being in LE that cause alcoholism/drug abuse that need to be recognized and dealt with.
However no slack should be given to officers that drive DUI. A .19 BA is rather high for just a few drinks and shows a lack of judgment regarding driving. How many times has this officer driven DUI and wasn’t caught? Is he under the influence while at work and it wasn’t detected. He sits on the SCSO’s OIS review panel no less. These are the bigger questions in my mind.
While we’re on the topic there is a certain County Prosecutor that my sources say should also watch his “p’s” and “q’s” before deciding to drive on many occasions. I would hope that local officers would also not give him a pass as well if stopped and suspected of DUI. In this particular case this will come back to haunt all of them.
The now former Chief of my agency when I retired just had a similar problem - Google Riverside PD Chief Russ Leach and the damaged that was done for driving him home. Here’s a LA Times snippet:
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/feb/21/local/la-me-police-chief21-2010feb21
BTW the LA Times sensationalized the problems at RPD a little bit. We were not a hotbed of racism. There were definitely issues but not really of a racial nature. See my post re the US DOJ undertaking a pattern/practice investigation of Seattle PD:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/apr/01/feds-will-investigate-seattle-police-practices/?comments#c281937
hunternomore on April 02 at 4:08 p.m.
Actually officers are not like anybody else. Their integrity is always on the line because their statements can ruin people’s lives, unlike normal citizens. Seriously. If this much liquor is required to de-stress these “normal” citizens, why don’t they just drink at home? Common sense.
force_vector on April 02 at 5:35 p.m.
Gosh, Elkay, I’ll be sure to keep that in mind from now on. I promise to remove all sarcasm from my posts to conceal my low wit. Wait, crap, ok next time for sure.
Elkay on April 02 at 5:39 p.m.
The deputy made a mistake, and no doubt one that he’ll never repeat … the repercussions alone don’t sound like happy times.
Being human, but held to a much higher standard at all times, can be a real dichotomy in this profession.
misjustice on April 02 at 6:43 p.m.
The officer looks really lit in his mug shot, tee hee hee…
mrd on April 02 at 8:46 p.m.
The Idaho officer made a professional decision and i complement him for that. No one should be above the law. Law enforcement officers should definitely be held to a higher standard than the average citizen because of their training and expertise in the field. Many professionals are held to a higher standard than the average individual based on education and training.
Concernedcitizen101 on April 07 at 1:18 p.m.
I can’t believe that the Sheriff of Spokane County would make the idiotic comment “the policy change hasn’t gone into effect yet because he’s still in negotiations with the deputies union, so it won’t apply to Knight”, wait Yes I can. Talk about back peddling. Sheriff Knezovich, since his election, has shown that he is not leader material. It’s time for Spokane to have a leader who is going to clean house and restructure that department. How is it that someone who is sworn in to uphold the law can also break the law? I think as law enforcement officers they should be held to a higher standard, are we not taught to teach by example. I am not saying that Deputy Knight should lose his job but I don’t think the sheriff should sign a waiver allowing the deputy to operate a patrol car. Would he sign a waiver allowing him to carry a firearm if he did not qualify at the range.
Why would/should the Sheriff give special treatment to Knight? Special treatment was not given to the deputy involved with the Kreach shooting and he was NOT breaking the law but performing his duties. It is time for the Spokane Sheriff to be a Sheriff.