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Denver Police Arrest Colleague For Suspected DUI

Written by Brian Maass

DENVER (CBS4) - The Denver district attorney's office has charged Denver police Sgt. Phillip Newton with DUI, prohibited use of weapons and careless driving in connection with an accident Monday night in southeast Denver.

Phil Newton
Phil Newton (credit: CBS)

Denver police responded to 4192 South Olive Street Monday night at about 9:35 p.m. after being called about the accident.

"He didn't look very well at all," said James Dugan, whose parked vehicle was hit by Newton's Ford pickup truck.

Dugan said a firefighter who was involved told him there was a strong smell of alcohol emanating from Newton's truck.

The 49-year-old Newton was briefly hospitalized following the accident. Newton has been with the Denver Police Department since 1987 and currently works in the property bureau.

Multiple sources say Newton refused to take a breath or blood test and was belligerent and combative during the course of the arrest.

State records show Aurora police arrested Newton August 27, 2004 for Driving Under the Influence and Careless Driving.

Denver police spokesperson Lt. Matt Murray told CBS4 "Sgt. Newton is still employed by the Denver Police Department and is not suspended and is not in a line assignment. We have not made any changes to his status or assignment."

Link: Newton Summons

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