UPDATE: Grand Haven officer arrested for domestic abuse GRAND HAVEN, Mich. (WZZM) - Two days after a former Grand Haven Public Safety officer was sentenced to jail for misconduct while on duty, another Grand Haven officer has been arrested. Officer Dana DeVries was arraigned Wednesday afternoon in 58th District Court in Holland for an alleged domestic assault. She pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on $1,000 personal recognizance bond. According to court documents, Ottawa County Sheriff's deputies arrested the 13-year veteran officer Tuesday night at her Robinson Township home, after she allegedly assaulted her estranged husband, Todd DeVries, who is also a Grand Haven officer. Court documents indicate alcohol may have played a role in the dispute, but there were no specific injuries to the victim. Because of her position as a law enforcement officer in Ottawa County, DeVries was transported and lodged in the Kent County Jail early Wednesday morning. In a written statement, GHDPS Chief Dennis Edwards said, "an illegal act by a public safety officer reflects only the integrity of that individual and not that of the organization as a whole." Edwards added, "Any illegal act by an officer will always be investigated promptly and thoroughly." The Ottawa County Sheriff's Department is conducting an investigation and disciplinary action could be taken in accordance with GHDPS police, which could result in suspension or dismissal from employment, Edwards said. Residents reacted to news of the arrest Wednesday. "They are human beings. Just because they are officers, I realize that they have standards they have to live by, but that doesn't make them impervious to problems," said neighbor Jim Verduin. WZZM 13's partner, the Grand Haven Tribune reports DeVries was honored as the Department of Public Safety's Officer of the Year in 2005 for maintaining "high standards for herself as well as those she works with, always providing the necessary support to her peers." On Monday, Former GHDPS Officer Tom Carey was sentenced to 60 days in jail, and two years probation for having sex with several women while on duty. Carey's badge was stripped and he will no longer be able to serve as a police officer. "They have to live up to what their job is, and when that gets out there, it kind of questions the people on our safety; What would happen if we were in the arms of her or him?" said another resident. If convicted on the domestic violence charge, DeVries faces a sentence of up to 93 days in jail.
11/5/2009 8:24:20 AM
