Grayslake police Chief Matt McCutcheon has been placed on paid administrative leave after he was charged last week with driving while intoxicated and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, the village announced Friday.
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McCutcheon, 46, was charged after authorities said he struck another vehicle while turning onto U.S. Route 45 just across the state line in Wisconsin. Kenosha County sheriff’s police said McCutcheon was swaying, showed his police badge, smelled of alcohol and was carrying a loaded 9 mm handgun tucked into his waistband when they arrived.
Grayslake Mayor Rhett Taylor said in a released statement that the charges against McCutcheon were uncharacteristic of his service during 20 years with the police force.
If true, however, the charges constitute unacceptable conduct for the Grayslake chief of police, Taylor added.
The paid leave will give McCutcheon a chance to focus on pending legal proceedings and make sure they do not distract from day-to-day operations at the Police Department, Taylor said.
McCutcheon’s salary is estimated at $130,000. He could not be reached for comment Friday.
The village is seeking an acting chief to manage the department during McCutcheon’s absence and will interview potential candidates immediately, Taylor said.