Eldon police detective charged with DWI remains on job

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

An Eldon Police Department detective arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated in February and charged Thursday remains on the job, the city's police chief says.

Luke M. Gatlin, 46, was pulled over on Feb. 14 in Osage Beach for driving without headlights, and a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper smelled liquor on his breath, according to a probable cause statement.

Gatlin failed a field sobriety test and allegedly admitted to the trooper that he "shouldn't have drove." His blood alcohol registered .193 on a breath test, according to the statement. The trooper took Gatlin to the Lake Ozark Police Department.

Gatlin's initial hearing is set for Sept. 16.

Eldon Police Chief Brian Kidwell said Gatlin has not been fired or resigned. Kidwell would not say whether Gatlin had been disciplined, citing privacy around personnel records.

Kidwell said the city would make an ultimate decision when the case has concluded.

City Administrator Mandy Asbury said Gatlin has worked with the police department since March 2015.