Embattled Schenectady police officer charged with DWI

PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael Goot

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A city police officer has been arrested for the second time in two months.

Police arrested John W. Lewis, 39, of Oregon Avenue on Saturday morning for allegedly driving while intoxicated. Department spokesman Officer Kevin Green said Lewis hit a parked car in the area of 1052 Eastern Ave. at 4:26 a.m.

Lewis has been charged with two misdemeanor charges of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and aggravated driving while intoxicated for allegedly having a blood alcohol content of greater than 0.18 percent. He also was issued two violation tickets for imprudent speed and improper lane use.

This is Lewis’ fourth arrest in the last eight months. Lewis was charged last month with misdemeanors of third-degree stalking and second-degree aggravated harassment for allegedly threatening his former wife a total of four times in August and November. Court papers allege that Lewis said if he found his ex-wife with someone, he was going to kill whoever she was with and her. That case is pending.

Lewis’ divorce became final in late September. He also has another pending contempt case for allegedly violating an order of protection by calling his former wife several times.

He was acquitted in June of a violation harassment charge, which stemmed from allegations that he grabbed and pushed his wife in a dispute over their child.

Lewis has been suspended without pay for 30 days after each arrest. He was then returned to the payroll but did not return to work. Green said Lewis was suspended without pay for 30 days as a result of the most recent incident.

Lewis also has filed a notice of claim against the city. He alleges that the police collaborated with his ex-wife to force him from his job and embarrass him. City officials attempted to fire Lewis 10 years ago over allegations that he used a racial slur while off duty. An arbitrator restored him to his post. Lewis’ attorney Kevin Luibrand said previously that his client has gone on disability for an undisclosed ailment.

Police union President Lt. Robert Hamilton did not return a call seeking comment.