Off-duty deputy arrested in DUI crash in Meridian

BOISE – An Ada County sheriff’s deputy has been arrested on investigation of drunk driving after he crashed into another vehicle in Meridian while off duty.

The Idaho Statesman reported that 43-year-old John Rynhart was booked into Ada County Jail early Sunday for misdemeanor driving under the influence.

The sheriff’s office said he has been placed on administrative leave. The office said Rynhart was driving a personal vehicle Saturday night when he hit a Honda Civic stopped at a traffic light. The car was driven by a 16-year-old girl. She and her two young passengers were not injured.

It was not immediately clear whether he had a lawyer. A message left Sunday with the sheriff’s Ada County Sheriff Employees’ Association was not immediately returned.