Robbins Police Chief On DUI Charges: 'I Made A Mistake'
ROBBINS, Ill. (CBS) – The police chief of Robbins is apologizing for his arrest on drunken-driving charges –- his second -- and concedes his job may be in danger.
"I'm really truly humbled by this. I'm embarrassed by it. It's unacceptable and we're going to move forward," Johnny Holmes tells CBS 2's Courtney Gousman.
Holmes, 66, says he was drinking Saturday night. He told police he had been drinking at the Posen Pub before he was stopped in neighboring Midlothian.
Police attempted to stop Holmes near Pulaski and Claire, about a half-mile from his home, but the chief didn't' stop until he got to the border of Midlothian and Robbins, about a half block from his home.
Midlothian police say Holmes' blood-alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. Officers also allegedly found a flask in his jacket.
CBS 2 went to his home Friday and was told he wasn't available. He later called Gousman to discuss his arrest.
"I apologize for the embarrassment. It's a terrible time right now in my life, and that's no excuse," Holmes said.
Holmes said he recently lost a grandson to gun violence and has also been taking care of his elderly mother. He says he does not have a problem with drinking.
"What I can say is that I made a mistake. I don't consider myself addicted to alcohol, but I made a mistake. I really consider myself a moderate drinker," he said.
Some residents expressed disdain over the latest DUI charges against Holmes. The village administrator tells CBS 2's Brad Edwards, "We stand by our chief."
That said, the mayor and village board will meet next week to decide the chief's fate. Holmes says he'll accept whatever decision they make.
"Retirement I'm sure is going to be a part of that discussion," he said.
A driver called 9-1-1 after nearly being hit by Holmes Saturday night, police said.
Holmes faces a total of six charges, including two counts of DUI and illegal transportation of alcohol.
He was released on an I-bond a few hours after being arrested. Holmes is due in court Feb. 6.
His earlier DUI arrest occurred in 2010. Court records indicate Holmes pleaded guilty and was sentenced to court supervision. Holmes asked a judge to only suspend his driver's license for one month instead of the minimum one-year suspension called for in the law, and that was granted.
