Off-duty Indy officer arrested, accused of driving drunk with minor child in car

INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis police officer was arrested Sunday on suspicion of driving drunk while off-duty with his underage child in the car.

James Cox was jailed on a preliminary intoxicated driving charge along with one count of endangering a passenger under 18, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced Monday in a news release.

Cox, an officer with seven years at the agency, most recently served in the East District.

According to police officials, just before 2:30 a.m., a patrolling officer noticed a driver speeding and swerving into oncoming traffic along Southeastern Avenue . The officer conducted a traffic stop shortly after, when they learned the driver was Cox. The investigating officer smelled alcohol and ordered sobriety tests, which Cox failed, police said. He was then taken to the Community Justice Center.

Cox's child, a minor, was inside the vehicle at the time. The child was released to a family member.

The arrest marks the latest Indianapolis officer to face jail and criminal charges.

So far this year, four officers have pending cases in four separate sex crime investigations for various allegations including child pornography, child seduction, rape and molestation.

The department has placed Cox on administrative leave pending the agency's investigation into the case. The Marion County Prosecutor's Office will determine final charges.

"This incident is deeply troubling and does not reflect the high standards we hold ourselves to at IMPD," Chief Chris Bailey said in a statement. "We expect our officers to uphold the law, both on and off duty. While our officers work to protect this community, the poor judgment of one individual should not overshadow their commitment to public safety. We are grateful that no one was injured."

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