JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was arrested Wednesday night and accused of boating under the influence, according to the sheriff’s office.
According to JSO, an officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) saw a vessel without lights approaching the Thomas Creek Boat Ramp on Ethel Road.
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The FWC officer later identified the vessel as a personal watercraft being operated in violation of state statute by JSO officer Christopher Merrow, police said.
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When the officer started speaking with Merrow, he reported that Merrow displayed multiple signs of impairment. After a field interview and interactions with Merrow, the officer determined that along with “various” vessel infractions, Merrow was also operating the vessel while under the influence.
Merrow was arrested and charged with boating under the influence and transported to the pre-trial detention facility.
Police said Merrow has been employed as a police officer with JSO since January 2018.
Following the incident, Merrow has been administratively reassigned while the criminal charges are still pending.
Merrow’s arrest marks the 12th of a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office employee this year.