Springfield police officer arrested for OVI, refuses breathalyzer test

SPRINGFIELD — A Springfield police officer is charged with OVI after he was arrested early Sunday morning, according to court records.

>> Rain, humidity expected today; Cooler temps arrive mid-week

Joseph Robinson was pulled over by a Clark County sheriff’s deputy when he failed to stop at a red light while traveling on North Fountain Avenue.

After Robinson was pulled over, he exited his vehicle and started walking toward the cruiser.

The deputy stopped the driver before he made it all the way to the cruiser, recognizing the driver as an off-duty police officer with the city of Springfield, according to court records.

>> 1 killed, 3 taken to hospital after crash on state Route 589 in Shelby County

When asked why he ran the red light, Robinson said he thought it was green.

The deputy asked Robinson if he had been drinking, but Robinson offered no reply.

Court records indicate Robinson’s eyes were glassy, he was unsteady on his feet swaying back and forth and the deputy could smell the faint odor of alcohol,

>> New Carlisle business owner, Tecumseh school board member, dies

Robinson continued to move around when he was asked to stand in front of the cruiser, according to the records.

The deputy asked Robinson numerous times if he was willing to perform a field sobriety test, but Robinson never responded.

The lack of response was considered refusal and Robinson was placed under arrest for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and or a controlled substance.

Robinson was taken to the Ohio State Highway Patrol Post to take a breathalyzer test, but when asked if he would complete the test, Robinson again did not respond.

He is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.