Local officer arrested in Tennessee

A Culver City police officer was charged with public intoxication on Jan. 21 in Nashville, Tenn.

WKRN-TV Nashville reported that Det. Ryan Thompson, 33, was escorted from a downtown bar called Bailey’s Irish Pub in the early morning hours of Jan. 21. According to the arrest warrant, Thompson allegedly wandered towards the back of the bar and entered the kitchen area after being asked to leave. He also reportedly “banged on the front window,” according the report.

One officer described him as “unsteady on his feet” and using “extremely slurred speech.”

According to the arresting officers, Thompson also reportedly made threats against the officers’ families after identifying himself as a Culver City police officer.

“Members of the Culver City Police Department have been in touch with the Nashville police and we are fully cooperating with them,” Culver City Police Chief Donald Pederson said in a statement. “Law enforcement officers are expected to use good judgment and act professionally at all times.”

Thompson has been with Culver City force for 10 years. He recently was investigating a series of bank robberies that occurred throughout the Westside and the South Bay. A bank of America branch on 9433 Culver Blvd. was robbed on Dec. 14.

On Nov. 3, 2010, he and Det. Pete Hernandez were honored by the city’s Civil Service Commission for their work on a homicide case that led to an arrest.

“We are extremely disappointed when the actions of our officers come into question,” Pederson said. “We have already begun what will be a thorough and comprehensive personal investigation into the matter.

“At the conclusion of our investigation the appropriate action will be taken.”

 According to the Nashville television station, Thompson has been released and the intoxication charge has been dismissed.