LAKE CITY, Fla. – A Columbia County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been arrested on a driving under the influence charge stemming from a single-vehicle crash that occurred earlier this month in Orange County.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office announced that Deputy Michael Rooney was arrested Friday, July 24, after a warrant was issued following an investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
According to the sheriff’s office, Rooney was off duty and driving his personal vehicle at the time of the crash.
The Florida Highway Patrol investigated the collision and, after completing its investigation, obtained a warrant charging Rooney with driving under the influence.
The Columbia County Sheriff’s Office said any questions regarding the circumstances of the crash should be directed to the Florida Highway Patrol, as it was the investigating agency.
Following his arrest, Rooney was placed on leave without pay pending the outcome of an internal investigation by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said it is grateful that everyone involved in the crash was not seriously injured.
In a statement, the agency said it takes the situation seriously and is committed to transparency when one of its employees is taken into custody.