WACO, Texas (KWTX) – A West Police Department officer was arrested early Monday morning in Waco on charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI) and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Billy Wayne Luedke, a former jailer with the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office and a former officer with the Lacy Lakeview Police Department, was arrested around 1:30 a.m. on July 21.
According to the arrest affidavit, a Waco officer saw a Ford F-150 leaving the Backyard Bar Stage and Grill at a high rate of speed. The officer followed the vehicle and noted erratic driving, including swerving and failure to use turn signals.
The officer pulled over the vehicle at S. 11th Street and Jack Kultgen Expressway and identified the driver as Officer Luedke. The officer reported a strong smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and Luedke admitting to having two alcoholic drinks. Luedke also stumbled while exiting the truck and refused a field sobriety test.
During the arrest, police discovered two firearms—one in a holster next to the driver’s seat and another on Luedke’s duty belt in the backseat. At the McLennan County Jail, Luedke refused to provide a blood sample, prompting officers to obtain a warrant for a mandatory blood draw.
Luedke was booked on DWI and unlawful weapon possession charges. He has since bonded out of jail.
