Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller spoke Thursday about a
sergeant’s January drunken driving charge getting reduced to
reckless driving by telling the Free Lance that internal
investigations are under strict confidentiality.
HOLLISTER
Hollister Police Chief Jeff Miller spoke Thursday about a sergeant’s January drunken driving charge getting reduced to reckless driving by telling the Free Lance that internal investigations are under strict confidentiality while noting the officer has a history of outstanding public service.
Sgt. James Egan of the Hollister Police Department recently had charges of driving under the influence and hit-and-run dismissed in a plea deal with the San Benito County District Attorney’s Office after he had pleaded no contest to a count of dry reckless driving.
Miller declined to comment when asked whether he suspended or disciplined Egan for the January incident and he contended that internal investigations are under a strict confidentiality policy in the police department.
“The police department is always concerned about officer misconduct and takes all allegations of misconduct seriously,” said Miller. “Our policy is to investigate and arrive at the appropriate disposition. Confidentiality laws prohibit us from commenting or making any statements about what action is taken.”
Egan’s accident Jan. 25 had resulted in a flat tire and his 2003 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck became stuck in mud on the side of Highway 25. A San Benito County sheriff’s sergeant arrived and sent Egan to Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital as a precaution because of a recent surgery, according to a sheriff’s report. There, Egan was hooked up to an I.V. and given pain medication. The California Highway Patrol, meanwhile, responded and went to the hospital to check on Egan, leading to suspicion of DUI and an arrest.
Regarding Egan, Miller said he has a “history of outstanding service” and he “strives his best in his performance of his duties.”
“He received the John H. Cover Medal of Non-Lethal Heroism” recently, Miller said.
The chief noted how the award was given to Egan after he had used a Taser on a suicidal Hollister man sitting in his car with a loaded handgun.
