It has been a difficult week for Washington police. First, a state trooper was arrested for driving drunk and running from police, and now the Seattle Times reports that three off-duty Bellevue police were removed from a recent Seattle Seahawks game, due to unruly, drunken behavior. More specifically, Seattle police reported that officers were thrown out of CenturyLink Field for being intoxicated and using foul language during a confrontation with a fan and his family.

The fan wanted to remain anonymous, but is identified himself as a 49-year-old season-ticket holder from Burien. He stated that the off-duty cops "called me names in front of my (12-year-old) kid. They were younger than me, tougher than me and drunk." He further pointed out that the cops' behavior and "F-bomb"-laced language was so disturbing that he called on CenturyLink ushers, who in turn summoned the stadium's "Fan Experience" officials and alcohol-enforcement officers. The officials led the intoxicated group from their seats and removed them from the building. One of the drunk patrons reportedly identified himself as a Bellevue police officer, and a second female officer told the victim that he should "watch himself" and not get pulled over in Bellevue.

And this wasn't the first altercation that the group was reportedly involved in. The group had allegedly taunted and harassed another female officer in the parking lot, after she warned them about littering. When she called for backup, the responding officers were similarly subjected to taunts and harassment from the intoxicated patrons.

Officer Seth Tyler, a spokesman for the Bellevue Police Department, refused to confirm or deny the incidents involving the off-duty officers. However, he stated that the department is investigating all reports involving the officers' behavior. He also emphasized that the internal investigation is the department's highest priority, and that Police Chief Linda Pillo is receiving daily briefings on its progress.

Even police aren't exempt from the types of alcohol-related incidents that plague regular civilians. As we have seen, police certainly aren't perfect, and sometimes they can have difficulty living up to their own law enforcement standards. If you have been charged with a DUI, you deserve an expert defense on your side. After all, nobody is perfect, and a DUI can have devastating consequences in Washington State.

If you have been charged with a DUI in Seattle or the Tri-Cities, hire a truly qualified Seattle DUI attorney. At Wolff Defense, we have been fighting DUI cases for years. You can't beat the system on your own. Contact us today to discuss your case.