WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vergennes Police Chief Cited for DUI

The investigation began June 7 when Chief Mike Lowe-- off duty and driving an unmarked cruiser-- barely scraped a parked car as he rounded a corner.

Witnesses at the scene said Lowe appeared dazed and confused. When state police arrived Lowe told them he had been using prescribed prescription drugs.

A five-week investigation has now led to criminal charges.

"He was processed for DUI and a sample of his blood was taken. We received the toxicology reports back and based on that and evidence at the scene he has been cited into court for DUI-drugs," Vt. State Police Lt. Bruce Melendy said. "In this case there was no evidence of any alcohol; however there was evidence of possible impairment."

Police and prosecutors said they would provide no details about the incident or charges pending Chief Lowe's arraignment in court next month.

"I was a little surprised and very concerned," Vergennes Mayor Mike Daniels said.

Daniels says he was concerned that Chief Lowe may need medical attention for a potential prescription drug problem. He says the chief is on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. And that outcome will determine what happens next.

Daniels says some citizens had approached him before the fender bender warning that the chief was having problems.

"There were a few that offered concerns. We did do some checking into it but we could not formally back it," Daniels said.

Vergennes residents we spoke with told us they have assumed Lowe has a prescription addiction problem in conjunction with a medical issue-- and he has their support.

"I totally am in support of him and whatever rehabilitation that he is currently undergoing and he's done a lot for the town, a lot for the kids," said Betsy Vick, who owns the Park Squeeze restaurant. "He's got a great police force here in Vergennes."

"I understand he's seeking help for his problem and we should encourage him to get better and I look forward to seeing him back in town here. And getting back on the job," said Rick Chaput of Vergennes.

There have been a number of unconfirmed rumors about the chief's possible health problems, most of them about the chief's recovery from back surgery. But those are only rumors and we will have to wait to see the police affidavits next month to learn the details in this case.

WCAX did try to reach the chief through his lawyer who told us there would be no comment from either of them.