JCPS police officer arrested in McDonald's drive thru

An off-duty officer within Jefferson County Public Schools' police department was arrested Monday night after he allegedly passed out in a fast-food drive-thru after drinking alcohol in his government-issued vehicle.

Christopher “Mike” Minniear, 51, was booked into the Jefferson County Detention Center shortly after 10 p.m. and charged with possession of an open alcoholic beverage inside a vehicle, tampering with physical evidence and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. He also faces two charges of having prescription medications not in their original containers.

His arrest citation also notes his blood alcohol content was .019 — below the legal limit to drive.

Minniear resigned from his position with JCPS Tuesday evening, according to JCPS spokeswoman Carolyn Callahan.

Louisville Metro Police Officers responded to multiple calls concerning an intoxicated person at the McDonald's on 3rd Street in the Auburndale neighborhood. Employees told officers Minniear had been drinking Bud Light while in the drive-thru line, and then he appeared to have passed out, sitting in the line for an hour without moving, his arrest citation states.

More: JCPS board member criticizes principals over public opposition to start time changes

Upon arrival, officers found Minniear parked on a neighboring street across several parking spots. When they approached, they saw him allegedly pour dark liquid from a cup that officers believed to be alcohol.

After, Minniear "began acting erratic and moving around inside of vehicle," the citation states. When asked why, he "stated he was urinating in the cup and poured it out," the citation continues.

When searching the vehicle, officers found a large bottle of dark liquor, as well as four hydrocodone and two Ambien pills hidden inside a McDonald's box.

The citation notes Minniear is a JCPS officer and his duty gear was in the backseat. He was released on his own recognizance Tuesday morning.

Contact Krista Johnson at kjohnson3@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: JCPS police officer arrested in McDonald's drive thru