The police chief at Tuskegee University has been arrested on a DUI charge following a traffic stop in Georgia, university officials confirmed.
Kareem Easley was arrested on New Year’s Day in Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta. According to Atlanta television station WSB, Easley was taken into custody after allegedly driving the wrong way on a one-way street and was charged with driving under the influence. He was later booked into a jail in the city of Smyrna.
Easley was hired as Tuskegee University’s police chief in October after previously serving as chief at Trenholm State Community College in Montgomery. He brings more than 20 years of experience in local, county, and state law enforcement.
In a statement, Tuskegee University said it is aware of the arrest and has placed Easley on administrative leave while an internal investigation is conducted.
“Tuskegee University is committed to the rule of law and will not rush to judgment pending a full internal investigation,” the statement read. “In an abundance of caution, Chief Easley has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation. Assistant Chief Darrius Jones will serve as Acting Chief of Police during this period.”
University officials said additional updates will be provided as the investigation continues.
