Spokane police detective placed on leave following DUI arrest

A Spokane police detective was arrested Saturday night on suspicion of driving drunk.

Detective Kirk Kimberly, an employee with the department since 1992, was stopped by a Washington State Patrol Trooper near Monroe Street and Grace Avenue in north Spokane at about 11:40 p.m. for speeding, according to a city news release.

Kimberly was cited for misdemeanor DUI after a breathalyzer test determined his blood alcohol content was 0.113, according to arrest records. He was not on duty at the time, officials said.

The department announced Monday the detective was placed on administrative leave while Internal Affairs investigates.

At court Monday afternoon, Kimberly spoke softly and stared at the floor as a Spokane County District Court judge read the charge against him aloud. Through his attorney, he pleaded not guilty.

As part of his release conditions – which includes no jail time – Kimberly is allowed to operate a vehicle, but is forbidden from driving after ingesting any drugs or alcohol.