Phoenix Police Officer Faces DUI Charges

January 3, 26-year-old off-duty police officer, Seth Samuel Castillo, got arrested for drunk driving. Photo by Ciera Thompson

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Written by Abigail Christensen - Staff Writer

At approximately 10 AM on January 3, 26-year-old off-duty Phoenix police officer was arrested after drunk driving. Seth Samuel Castillo was found asleep in his Jeep Commander, by a Gilbert police officer who said that Castillo appeared to be unconscious and became alert only after the officer prodded him numerous times.

The officer asked if Castillo had any medical issues and he replied with, “Yes, I’ll f***ing kill you.” Castillo become hostile and non compliant, refusing to first get out and then put his hands on the car. With a few more commands, the officer was able to coax Castillo out of the car, but he was still reluctant to set his hands on the car. The officer then watched as Castillo reached for his waist and, assuming it was for a weapon, pulled out his taser and deployed at the subject. Castillo fell to the ground and minutes later admitted to drinking two 24-ounce beers and taking Ritalin, a prescription drug.

More officers arrived and took Castillo into custody. He was taken to the hospital where he was inspected and told that he had a .173 blood alcohol level, which was twice the amount of the legal limit. Castillo was indicted with DUI-related charges, and is still on duty as a Phoenix police officer as the case is further investigated.