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Hygiene Fire Chief Accused Of DUI, Impersonating Police Officer

HYGIENE, Colo. (CBS4) - A fire chief is facing charges after police say he impersonated a police officer while he was drunk.

William Nelson is the chief of the Hygiene Fire Protection District. Boulder police arrested him Saturday night after he tried to pull over a vehicle using his personal car and siren. He's now facing multiple charges that could bring jail or prison time.

Nelson was arrested for impersonating a police officer, DUI and prohibited use of a weapon.

The Boulder County Sheriff's Office say Nelson tried to pull somebody over with his personal car using his lights and siren on Highway 36 and Hygiene Road. Deputies said there was some kind of altercation during the illegal traffic stop. Deputies were called in and Nelson was arrested.

Deputies said Nelson was visibly drunk and had a rifle and pistol inside his car.

"He had some weapons, is my understanding, inside his personal vehicle, and due to the level of his intoxication they charged the prohibited use a weapon," Sgt. Mike Diamond with the Boulder County Sheriff's Department said.

The Hygiene Fire Protection District is a volunteer department. A department board member told CBS4 he was not aware of the arrest and said he would be shocked it was true. He said he couldn't comment further but also said Nelson is an excellent chief and has done a great job.

Nelson has not bonded out of jail. He's due in court on Monday.

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