JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced on Tuesday that one of his officers, Justin Marino, was off-duty when he was arrested for driving under the influence in his patrol car.
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The arrest occurred just after midnight, Tuesday, following a domestic dispute on the Southside.
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In response to the incident, Sheriff T.K. Waters stated that no one, including his own officers, is above the law.
JSO’s arrest report reveals Marino was taken into custody at a local gas station after he left his girlfriend’s apartment complex following an argument they had. It adds on to say, Marino’s girlfriend asked him to leave, but he refused.
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A source familiar with the incident, who chose to remain anonymous out of respect for the woman involved, clarified that Marino had been an ex-boyfriend for nearly a year. And Marion reportedly, had made unannounced visits to see her without consent.
The report also stated that he “left in his JSO patrol car and should not be driving.”
Officers reportedly noticed signs of impairment, such as “bloodshot, watery eyes,” “slurred words,” and the smell of alcohol on his breath.
Action News Jax Law and Safety expert Dale Carson has decades of law enforcement experience, and says he has seen this from officers before.
“I mean, it can be devastating to deal with many different crimes and cases that often confront police officers,” Carson said.
Local driver Billy Meadow also shared his thoughts on the matter, saying that if officers break the law, they should be held accountable.
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“As an officer, he should be a little more concerned about his behavior,” Meadow said. “But we’re all people, we’re all human. And we make mistakes. And I’d think an officer like that should get counseling.”
Justin Marino, who has been with JSO for four years, is currently suspended without pay pending a criminal and internal investigation.
Fraternal Order of Police President in Jacksonville, Randy Reaves, says when an officer faces criminal charges, their membership is evaluated.
“I think it’s good for public trust, to see that Sheriff Waters is out there holding everybody accountable,” Reaves said.
Reaves adds Marino is still a member of the FOP, but he has to go through the criminal process before he goes through the administrative process, which is when FOP gets involved.
“To drive intoxicated, is going to be criminal, whether you’re on duty or off duty, again, the sheriff’s office conducted their investigation and made the arrest.”
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This marks the fifth JSO officer arrested this year.
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