LCPD officer terminated for DUI charge

LAKE CITY, Fla. — A Lake City Police Department officer charged with DUI in November was terminated Monday.

Former Officer Staci Brownfield was found to be involved in a single-vehicle crash on the evening of Nov. 12, 2013 at SE Country Club Road and SE Buck Glen, according to a release from LCPD Assistant Public Information Officer Mike Lee.

Brownfield was in her own vehicle and was not on duty at the time. She was transported to the Columbia County Jail, where she was charged with DUI after providing breath samples. She spent eight hours in jail and was released on a $1,000 bond.

The sustained internal investigation found that Brownfield violated department policy and Chief Argatha Gilmore terminated her on Monday.

"This is an unfortunate reminder that we are not above the law," said Gilmore. "This officer was found to have violated our department policy by driving a vehicle under the influence of alcohol. While I am grateful that there were no serious injuries in this crash, we have a firm stance against impaired driving in Lake City, and our officers must set the example." 

The criminal investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol is ongoing.

WJAX