‘I’m Also A Police Officer’: Arizona Deputy Uses Racial Slur, Pleads for Release After Being Pulled Over for DUI

An Arizona Sheriff’s deputy used a racial slur and told another officer to not put his “f*cking career at risk.”

What We Know:

• The deputy was pulled over by an Arizona State University (ASU) officer under suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Bodycam footage shows Deputy Julian Navarette trying to get out of a DUI stop. He was pulled over around 2 am on December 5th after an ASU officer noticed him speeding and swerving. The police report notes Navarette was with friends when he was arrested.
• Navarette admits to having a couple of drinks that night prior to the stop. It was then that the ASU officer asked Navarette to step out of the car. The off-duty officer said he had had three mixed drinks and asked, “why can’t you help me out, though?” Navarette asked the ASU officer to help him so his career wouldn’t be put at risk.
• The ASU officer responded by explaining that his job was also on the line as well if he didn’t follow proper procedures. The officer proceeded to administer a field sobriety test and gave Navarette a breathalyzer test as well. The legal limit in the state is 0.08, and Navarette blew a 0.121. He was promptly arrested for DUI and taken to the police station.
• After his arrest, Navarette was placed on modified duty. This meant he was not allowed to drive a vehicle and had to ride with another officer. He will be back on regular duty on Monday.

The ASU Police Department issued a statement saying, “Our officers handled themselves in a professional manner, as they would with any subject they encounter.”