Denver police sergeant in lawmaker stop is demoted

Author: Associated Press
POSTED: 09:39 AM MDT Sep 18, 2012    UPDATED: 09:47 AM MDT Sep 18, 2012 
Benita Packard
DENVER -

A Denver police sergeant involved in a lawmaker's DUI traffic stop in January has been demoted.

KCNC-TV reports Tuesday (http://cbsloc.al/O9DKRE ) that public safety officials had recommended termination for Benita Packard. An investigation found that Packard returned a handgun to Rep. Laura Bradford of Collbran then failed to disclose it on a police report or to supervisors. Possessing a handgun while intoxicated is illegal.

Under a settlement, Packard will serve a 10 day suspension and be demoted to patrol officer. Packard has been an officer since 1982.

Police cited Bradford for an illegal lane change and careless driving. A patrol officer says Bradford nearly hit a car and did poorly on a sobriety test.

An ethics panel cleared Bradford's ethical misconduct. She later decided not to seek reelection.

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