Smith was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol when he was arrested at the scene of a car crash. | stock photo
Smith was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol when he was arrested at the scene of a car crash. | stock photo
Public Safety Chief Geoffrey Smith resigned from his post at the end of August after an arrest for alleged drunken driving.
Smith was allegedly involved in an Aug. 15 crash where he was found sitting on the side of the road complaining of neck pain, according to reporting by MLive.
The website reported that Smith requested officers give him a preliminary breath test at the scene, but the officers informed him they would have to let deputies from the St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office or Michigan State Police troopers handle the crash scene and ensuing investigation.
Smith was then transported to a nearby hospital and booked into St. Joseph County Jail at about 2:15 a.m. on Aug. 16.
According to booking records, Smith was then released five hours later and also placed on administrative leave.
Ryan Banaszak was named Sturgis’s interim public safety director.
Smith released the following statement after departing his longtime post: “I made a mistake. I am human and accept full responsibility for what I have done.... I am truly sorry for my actions and the hardships they have brought to my community, family, coworkers and friends.”
Smith was scheduled for arraignment Aug. 27 in St. Joseph County, but there will be change of venue due to potential conflicts of interest.
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