Off-duty LMPD Officer Arrested In Hardin County

An off-duty Louisville police officer is facing charges after he was arrested in Hardin County last week.

Kentucky State Police arrested Louisville Metro Police Officer Kenneth Lawrence on June 4.

According to court documents, a Kentucky State Police trooper pulled over Lawrence on Dixie Highway near mile marker 33 after he noticed his motorcycle’s plates had expired on December 31, 2003. Lawrence told the trooper he had his off-duty weapon on his right hip and that he worked for Louisville Metro Police Department.

An arrest citation said the trooper told Lawrence he had pulled him over because of his expired plates. Lawrence said he had just bought the motorcycle and hadn’t put the new registration plate on yet, but he was able to provide proof of the registration and insurance.

According to the citation, the trooper smelled alcohol coming from Lawrence and asked him how much he had to drink. Lawrence told the trooper he drank a few beers about three to four hours earlier. The trooper then conducted a field sobriety test, where he says Lawrence could not maintain his balance during the walk and turn test and had to be reminded to look at his toes during the one-leg stand test.

The citation said the trooper believed Lawrence was near the legal limit and asked him to do a PBT test, but he refused. Lawrence was placed under arrest for DUI.

According to police, Lawrence did take a breath test about an hour and a half after the traffic stop and blew a .077. The legal limit is .08. Lawrence refused to take a blood test.

Lawrence is charged with driving under the influence, failure to notify address change to the Department of Transportation, and improper display or registration plates.

Louisville Metro Police Department said they have launched an internal investigation into Lawrence, and he has been placed on paid administrative leave.
Source: WAVE