A veteran Cleveland police officer has been terminated after pleading no contest to charges related to impaired driving and mishandling his service weapon.
Steven Schmitz, 39, was officially dismissed from the Cleveland Division of Police on Thursday, according to state employment records. Schmitz had served on the force since graduating from the police academy in 2009.
The charges stem from a March 1 traffic stop on Interstate 90 in Avon. Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Jose Alcantara Rodriguez pulled Schmitz over after clocking him traveling at 94 mph in a 60 mph zone during snowy and wet conditions.
According to the trooper’s report, Schmitz admitted he had consumed alcohol earlier in the evening after finishing a part-time job at The IVY, a nightclub in downtown Cleveland. He told the officer he was on his way to get food. Although he acknowledged drinking, he refused to participate in field sobriety tests.
During the stop, Trooper Alcantara Rodriguez observed Schmitz’s police duty belt and a Glock 17 handgun lying in the passenger seat of the vehicle. Schmitz was subsequently charged with operating a vehicle while under the influence (OVI), speeding, improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, and carrying a firearm while intoxicated.
Schmitz ultimately entered a no contest plea to the OVI charge. He was sentenced to one year of probation, fined $750, and required to attend a Driver’s Intervention Program. His driver’s license was also suspended.
Despite the outcome, Schmitz’s legal representation maintains he was otherwise an exemplary officer.
“He accepted responsibility and has been a good public servant,” said Henry Hilow, attorney for the Cleveland Police Patrolmen’s Association. Hilow added that Schmitz may pursue arbitration in an attempt to regain his position. “He has a strong service record, and we hope arbitration results in his reinstatement.”
The Cleveland Division of Police has not issued further comment on the dismissal.