Arthur Messmer, 44, is a 20-year Metro Police Department employee.NASHVILLE, Tenn. -
A Metro police officer was arrested overnight Monday for being drunk during his shift.
Arthur Messmer, 44, a midnight-shift Madison precinct patrol officer, was charged with DUI and possession of a firearm while under the influence of an intoxicant.
He was arrested after his sergeant detected an odor of alcohol on his breath.
During questioning, Messmer acknowledged to drinking earlier in the day Monday. He submitted to field sobriety tasks, which showed indicators of impairment.
A blood sample was drawn prior to Messmer's booking and will be analyzed by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
His bond on the two charges was set by a judicial commissioner at $10,000.
Messmer, a 20-year police department employee, has been decommissioned of and will face disciplinary action after an internal investigation into his actions, the department said in a release Tuesday.
Messmer is the second Metro officer to be charged with DUI this week.
Wesley Terry, 33, was arrested Saturday night. He has also been decommissioned.
The recent charges involving the two officers are not sitting well with taxpayers.
"I'm concerned about our city and how it is being protected right now," Nashville resident Shaun Apple said.
Resident Dale Pommer added, "I think they should be at least held to the same standard and they probably should not keep their job."
Nashville's News 2 attempted to reach Messmer by phone for a comment, but our calls were not answered.
