Deputy arrested after allegedly trying to walk past Coronado Naval Base gate while under the influence
A San Diego County sheriff’s deputy was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence outside the gate of Naval Air Station North Island, officials said Saturday.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. Friday, the Coronado Police Department notified the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department of the arrest of a deputy who attempted to enter the base’s main gate without permission, leading military guards to shoot the car.
No one was injured, authorities said.
sergeant. Michael Cruz was off duty at the time and was incarcerated in San Diego Central Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol, officials said. He was released on his own recognizance pending upcoming court dates.
Cruz is on a paid administrative mission while the sheriff’s internal affairs investigation continues. He was hired in 2006 and assigned to detail the sheriff’s emergency planning, according to the department.
The Coronado Police Department and Navy Criminal Investigative Service were investigating the arrest, with cooperation from the sheriff’s department.
“The Sheriff’s Department will not tolerate criminal behavior within its ranks and will hold employees accountable for their actions,” a press release from the sheriff said.
The base was temporarily locked down and several doors were closed while security personnel checked the rest of the base.
California Daily Newspapers
