MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - An off-duty Memphis police officer was arrested for DUI after he crashed his truck driving drunk on I-40 and left the scene of the accident.
Police were called to a crash on I-40 near Appling Road just before 3:30 a.m. on Monday, November 19. Officers found a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 had run off the road at the westbound off ramp at Appling, but the driver was not present.
Police found the truck was registered to 27-year-old Ryan Mendoza, and went to his home to question him. When they spoke with Mendoza at his home, officers noted he smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes and appeared to be intoxicated. Mendoza then told police he had been driving the truck when it crashed.
Officer Ryan Mendoza was arrested and charged with DUI, Reckless Driving, Leaving the Scene of an Accident and Financial Responsibility. He has been relieved of duty with pay from the MPD - where he has worked since July 2007 - pending the outcome of the investigation.
