Town votes to retain police officer

CHELSEA, Okla. (AP) – Leaders of a northeast Oklahoma town have voted to retain a rookie police officer following his refusal to release an area businessman during a traffic stop.

KOTV-TV (http://bit.ly/1J5cEVn ) reports that officer Nicholas Pappe pulled over businessman Brian Haggard earlier this month for suspected drunken driving. Police say Haggard called a town administrator, who tried to take Haggard home, but Pappe refused and arrested Haggard.

Town leaders on Tuesday night voted 3-1 to keep Pappe in his position. Police Chief Chris Bohl said he was pleased with their decision.

The Rogers County court clerk’s office says drunken driving charges have been filed against Haggard, who’s scheduled to appear in court next month. A message seeking comment was left with his attorney Wednesday morning.