MILL CREEK — A King County sheriff’s deputy has pleaded guilty to reckless driving after being arrested for DUI earlier this year in Mill Creek.
After an internal investigation, Mark J. Rockwood, 48, received a 15-day suspension without pay, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office.
Earlier charges of driving under the influence and hit-and-run were dismissed. In late November, he paid a $1,296 fine as part of the reckless driving plea. Reckless driving is a misdemeanor under state law.
Rockwood lives in Snohomish County and is assigned to patrol the city of Shoreline, in King County. He was on duty the morning of Feb. 28 when several people called 911 to report him driving erratically. Some witnesses reported that he was asleep at the wheel shortly before he rear-ended a car in Mill Creek.
Investigators alleged that he had taken prescription sleeping pills in the hours before the crash and that he had left his duty weapon in his personal vehicle before getting in his patrol car.
There was no evidence of alcohol or a medical emergency that could have contributed to the crash.
Rockwood has been on the force for more than 19 years. His discipline hearing was held this fall. He did not appeal his suspension.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
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