State trooper accused of DUI, hit-and-run and eluding police

TACOMA, Wash. — State patrol troopers got quite a shock Sunday when the reckless driver they were chasing turned out to be one of their own.

Trooper David Bertholf had been a top trooper when it came to nabbing drunk drivers, and now he’s accused of driving drunk himself.

Berthofl isn’t just accused of driving drunk, either. He’s also facing charges of hit and run and eluding after troopers say he tried to outrun them.

“We’re extremely disappointed in the actions and decision-making of this particular employee,” said WSP Capt. Rob Huss.

Investigators say Berthofl was driving near Tacoma on Sunday afternoon when he side-swiped a car that had slowed for a traffic jam.

Witnesses say Bertholf went around into the median. They followed him until troopers closed in. Despite the lights and sirens, troopers say Bertholf didn’t stop. When he finally did pull over, the troopers were shocked to learn he was a co-worker.

Even after he View full post on “drunk” News