A Nelson Mandela Bay Metro Police officer was arrested and suspended for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Metro Police Chief, Yolande Faro, said the officer was caught by Metro Police Officers, who were patrolling in Stanford Road on Monday morning.
Faro said the officers noticed a silver VW Polo driving in an IPTS bus designated lane about to turn into the roadway in front of the patrol car.
"Our officers switched on their siren to warn the driver against doing it, but when he foolhardily persisted, he was requested to pull over and eventually stopped his car in Liebenberg Road," he said.
She said after the driver of the vehicle was pulled over, the patrol officer recognised the offending driver as one of his colleagues.
"The driver of the patrol car was surprised when he recognized the offending driver as one of his colleagues and they were especially alarmed when he reeked of alcohol and immediately informed him that his blood alcohol level will be tested," Faro said.
After being informed that he would be tested for alcohol, the off-duty officer jumped out of his car and ran a short distance, before officers managed to apprehend him.
The officer was taken to the Gelvandale police station where he was formally charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.
Faro issued a stern warning to metro police officers.
"No one is above the law and if Metro Police officers are caught transgressing the law they will be dealt with very harshly. I am especially perturbed by this incident and the law must now take its course," she said.
