SPRINGFIELD, IL — A Springfield Police sergeant arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol during a stop in Chatham July 4 has been reassigned within the department following an internal investigation.
Lindzee N. Carpenter is now under a year-long probationary period.
Carpenter was reassigned to the rank of patrol officer and is serving a 30-day suspension, a “critical incident report” on SPD’s transparency page stated on Aug. 7.
Carpenter drove away from the initial stop made by a Chatham police officer on southbound Illinois 4 just before 2 a.m. on the Fourth of July.
When the officer asked Carpenter why she drove off from the initial stop, she responded “it sounded like she said, ‘you told me that I could.’”
The officer’s narrative also referred to Carpenter stumbling when she exited her car and “slurring her words.”
Carpenter gave the officer an expired SPD identification card and two different credit cards when the officer first asked for her identification.
Following her arrest, Carpenter was immediately stripped of her police powers and placed on administrative leave.
The report stated that “personal and professional development measures, along with other corrective actions, have been implemented to maintain accountability, reinforce departmental standards, and support the health and wellness of our officers.
“The Springfield Police Department is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, accountability, and service to our community. When concerns arise involving the actions of our officers, they must be thoroughly and objectively reviewed. This investigation was conducted with that commitment in mind, and appropriate action has been taken based on its findings.”
David Amerson, a staff attorney for the Police Benevolent & Protective Association Unit 5, did not offer a comment about actions taken against Carpenter.
Carpenter was promoted to sergeant in 2024.
Carpenter will have a first appearance in Sangamon County court Aug. 25.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Springfield Police sergeant arrested for DUI is suspended, reassigned
Reporting by Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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By Steven Spearie, Springfield State Journal-Register | USA TODAY Network
