UPDATE: Police Chief Responds to Officer's OVI Arrest

UPDATE 6:26 P.M. THURSDAY:

Solon Police Chief Chris Viland issued a statement in regard to the drunk driving arrest of officer Christopher Petranic in Twinsburg:

Here's the statement:

"Officer Petranic is currently on leave from the Solon Police Department.  An internal investigation has begun.  The results of this investigation may be delayed while the underlying arrest and charges are in litigation.  Officer Petranic will remain on leave until the investigation is completed.

We, at the Solon Police Department, are obviously concerned for Officer Petranic’s welfare and whatever personal issues he will now be dealing with.  It is important, however, for the public to know that behavior that results in an incident such as this is not tolerable, especially in a law enforcement agency.  We are incredibly thankful that no one was hurt and that no others were involved in this accident.  We pledge to complete our investigation in a timely and professional manner.  In addition to the individual investigation, we will be re-assessing any  organizational mechanisms that should be modified or initiated to assist the Solon Police Department in preventing future such incidents.”

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A Solon Police officer is now on administrative leave after being arrested in Twinsburg today and charged with drunk driving, according to a news release from the Solon Police Department.

Christopher Petranic, 43, a 13-year veteran of the force and an Aurora resident, was arrested at about 2 a.m. today after his car left the road and struck a tree near Darrow and Post roads in Twinsburg, according to a news release. Petranic currently serves as a patrol officer with Solon police.

Lt. Michael Nakata with the Twinsburg Police Department said Petranic was charged with OVI, failure to control and BAC. Petranic registered a .238 blood alcohol level, Nakata said

There were no injuries from the crash. Petranic was driving his personal vehicle at the time of the crash, according to police.