Battle Creek Cop Accused Of Being Drunk On The Job

BATTLE CREEK (WWJ/AP) - A Battle Creek police officer is facing misdemeanor charges after investigators determined she was drunk while working.

Jennifer Appl was arraigned Tuesday on charges of driving under the influence of liquor and possession of a firearm while intoxicated.  Both are misdemeanors with a maximum sentence of 93 days in jail.

Appl told Calhoun County District Court Judge John Holmes she wanted to stand mute until she's able to meet with an attorney. Holmes entered a not guilty plea for her, and Appl said she was requesting a jury if the case goes to trial.

County Prosecutor David Gilbert said Appl came to work at 10 p.m. Saturday and was legally intoxicated. A preliminary breath test, which is not admissible in court, allegedly showed she has a 0.13 percent blood alcohol level at around midnight.

Michigan State Police arrived and administered another test at around 2 a.m. and Gilbert said the results were 0.07 percent, which is below the legal limit for drivers in Michigan of 0.08 percent.

The Battle Creek Enquirer said Appl declined comment after the arraignment.

She was released on a personal recognizance bond and is on paid administrative leave while the department conducts an internal investigation.

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