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JCPS officer arrested, found passed out in McDonald's drive-thru

Six pills were found hidden inside a McDonald's burger box, LMPD said. A large bottle of alcohol was also found in the car.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) police officer is facing several charges after he was found passed out in a McDonald's drive-thru lane, according to court documents.

Christopher Minniear, 51, was arrested on May 6 after multiple people called Louisville Metro Police (LMPD) about a man drinking alcohol in the drive-thru lane of a McDonald's in the Auburndale neighborhood. 

An employee told police Minniear had been passed out in the drive-thru for about an hour.

When police arrived at the McDonald's location, located at 3rd Street Road and Bruce Avenue, Minniear was found in his official government vehicle parked across several parking spots on Bruce Avenue. His JCPS security gear was in the rear seat, LMPD said. 

According to his arrest citation, as officers walked toward the vehicle, Minniear opened the driver's side door and poured out a dark brown liquid that smelled like alcohol from a cup. 

Credit: LMDC
Christopher Minniear, 51.

LMPD said he was acting "erratic" and when asked about the liquid, he told officers he had urinated in the cup.

A probable cause search revealed a large liquor bottle with dark liquid under the passenger side floor board that had been partially consumed, the report continued.

Witnesses told police they saw him drinking a Bud Light, which Minniear denied, but officers reportedly found a partially consumed can of Bud Light in the center console arm rest as well. 

The citation said Minniear admitted to drinking one shot of alcohol, but his actions led police to believe he was under the influence of other substances. 

Minniear told police he did have prescription medication in the vehicle but was unsure of where it was. 

LMPD found four Hydrocodone and two Ambien pills hidden inside a McDonald's burger box. The citation said Minniear later stated the pills were non-prescription medication.

A field sobriety test was conducted and his BAC was .019. Some tests weren't conducted though because Minniear said he suffered a prior back and leg injury which hindered his ability to walk properly and maintain balance.

Authorities believe Minniear attempted to hide the alcohol and medication to avoid detection.

Minniear has been charged with possession of an open alcohol beverage in a vehicle, tampering with physical evidence, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and possessing a prescription controlled substance not in its proper container.

A JCPS spokesperson said Minniear has since resigned from the district.

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