Kaitlin McKinley Becker

Massachusetts State Trooper Placed on Leave After Allegedly Being Drunk on the Job

A Massachusetts State Police trooper was placed on administrative leave Sunday for allegedly being drunk during his shift, according to a police spokesman.

Trooper Jonathan Brown, who works at the Devens barracks, was in the middle of working an 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift when he was relieved of duty around 2 a.m. Sunday, State Police spokesman Dave Procopio said.

"The reason for that action was observations made relative to temporary fitness for duty," said Procopio.

Brown was allegedly intoxicated when he arrived for work and was slurring his speech on the radio. It's not believed Brown was drinking while on the job.

When NBC10 Boston knocked at Brown's door, he answered but didn't have much to say.

"No comment," Brown replied when asked about the allegations against him.

Troopers assigned to the Devens barracks are not given take-home cruisers, unlike some other barracks, so it would appear Brown drove his own personal vehicle to the barracks at the start of his shift on St. Patrick's Day.

State Police say Brown has been placed on administrative leave pending a duty status hearing that will be held during the upcoming week.

Officials are looking to see if Brown responded to any calls while working the shift in question.

The incident remains under investigation.

No other information was immediately available.

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